In a stunning turn of events following Donald Trump’s overwhelming election win, the Department of Justice is officially ending its two federal investigations into the president-elect. Jack Smith, the special counsel leading the investigations, is being removed from his role as federal prosecutors acknowledge the constitutional limits of prosecuting a sitting president.
This decision marks the closure of two high-profile cases: one concerning Trump’s handling of classified documents post-presidency, which was dismissed in Florida but had been on appeal, and the other related to Trump’s actions surrounding the 2020 election.
This move effectively clears Trump of federal criminal charges, further solidifying his strong foothold as he prepares to return to the White House on January 20, 2025. But while the DOJ appears to be shifting gears, some state leaders are already preparing for battle, none more openly than New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James.
In a fiery press conference the day after Trump’s win, Hochul announced an “Empire State Freedom Initiative,” aimed at countering expected “policy and regulatory threats” from Trump’s incoming administration. While pledging to work with Trump on some issues, she didn’t shy away from signaling a readiness for political warfare. Hochul specifically cited potential clashes on abortion rights, labor laws, LGBTQ protections, environmental regulations, and immigration policy.
Attorney General Letitia James, well-known for her legal battles against Trump, echoed Hochul’s defiance, emphasizing her commitment to challenging the new administration’s policies. James highlighted that her office had been preparing for this moment and assured New Yorkers she would defend the state’s values vigorously. Her presence at the conference reinforced that New York’s top officials are bracing for an adversarial relationship with the president-elect.
James’s history with Trump is notable, having secured a $454 million civil fraud judgment against him after alleging he inflated his net worth to secure favorable financial terms. Trump has appealed the judgment, but James remains undeterred, assuring reporters she is “not fearful of Donald Trump” and is prepared to confront his administration head-on.
The reaction from New York Republicans has been equally vocal. State GOP Chairman Ed Cox described Hochul’s stance as “dumb and bizarre,” criticizing her for undermining the possibility of constructive collaboration with the White House. Upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik, a prominent Trump ally, noted Trump’s strong performance in New York, pointing to it as evidence that New Yorkers are increasingly dissatisfied with Hochul’s leadership. Stefanik argued that James and Manhattan’s legal pursuits against Trump had backfired, rallying voters in his favor.
Former Congressman Lee Zeldin, who challenged Hochul in the 2022 gubernatorial race, argued that her post-election stance was divisive, calling for unity rather than animosity. He suggested that the governor’s response was emblematic of a broader disconnect between New York’s leadership and the concerns of everyday Americans, many of whom are now realigning with the Republican Party.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined the criticism, expressing disbelief at Hochul’s immediate resistance to the president-elect’s mandate. Blakeman warned that Hochul’s confrontational stance could exacerbate New York’s challenges, as the state faces economic hurdles and significant outmigration.