New York Governor Hochul Launches Campaign to Hire Federal Workers Fired by "DOGE," Blasts Musk and Trump
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated a bold campaign directly targeting federal employees recently dismissed from the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), a new entity apparently spearheaded by Elon Musk. The campaign, which includes advertisements in prominent locations like Washington, D.C.’s Union Station and New York City’s Moynihan train station, aims to entice these displaced workers to seek employment within the New York state government. The ads feature the iconic Statue of Liberty alongside the message: "DOGE said you’re fired? We say you’re hired! New York wants you!" A link to the New York state government website, showcasing nearly two thousand available positions, accompanies the compelling visual.
The move follows a meeting between Governor Hochul and New York residents allegedly impacted by these federal workforce reductions. During a subsequent press conference, Hochul delivered a scathing critique of Musk and President Trump, accusing them of indifference towards the needs of Americans and the potential damage to essential government services caused by the DOGE firings.
"They call themselves putting America First. Give me a break," she exclaimed, expressing her disbelief at the administration’s actions. "They know nothing about the functions of government. They don’t know who it serves, and they don’t care about the tireless public servants who keep it all running." She further characterized the situation as a "cheap second-rate reality show" where the phrase "You’re fired" is used for personal amusement, highlighting what she perceived as a lack of seriousness and empathy from Musk and Trump.
Addressing the former federal workers directly, Hochul extended a warm invitation to join the New York state government. "The current regime in Washington may not recognize your talents, but I can assure you New York State does," she stated emphatically. "We don’t vilify public servants. We value you. We cherish your contribution, and we do want to welcome you to the New York family."
Hochul emphasized the importance of public service and its contribution to the nation’s well-being. "In New York, we know it’s not the demagogues and the technocrats who make America great," she declared. "It’s public servants like [those I just met], and countless who came before them, who dedicate their lives to serving others."
The governor highlighted the diverse range of opportunities within the New York state government, noting the existence of 7,000 public sector positions encompassing fields such as engineering, law, healthcare, and education. She framed the campaign as part of an "ongoing effort" to rebuild the state’s public workforce, particularly after it had been "decimated" during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, therefore, serves a dual purpose: offering refuge to displaced federal workers and strengthening New York’s own governmental capacity.
Beyond simply offering employment, Hochul underscored the crucial role states play in resisting what she views as detrimental policies originating from the Trump administration and the DOGE initiative. She signaled a willingness to engage in legal battles to challenge these policies, stating, "It starts in the courts. We are ready to file lawsuits to stop anything, particularly with this first wave of layoffs for provisional individuals because the proper notice wasn’t done. They didn’t follow any rules. They did not follow a single rule. They think they are kings and they can just come in and do whatever they want."
Hochul reiterated the importance of state-level action to support those affected by the federal cuts. "So, in the meantime, the states have to step up," she urged. "This is what we can do. We’ll see them in court, but also, let’s take care of these people. Let’s not have them worry about their healthcare, whether or not their child’s going to get medical treatment for their own families." This statement showcased Hochul’s commitment to providing a safety net for displaced workers and their families during a time of uncertainty.
The response from the White House was swift and dismissive. Spokesperson Harrison Fields, in a statement to Fox News Digital, asserted that "No amount of Democrat obstruction will stop President Trump from delivering on the promises he made to the American people." Fields further criticized Hochul and other Democrats, stating, "Radical, out-of-touch Democrats should clean up the disasters they’ve created in their own states before trying to promote their failed policies to the rest of America."
The situation sets the stage for a potential legal and political showdown between the state of New York and the federal government. Hochul’s proactive approach in offering employment and promising legal challenges demonstrates a clear commitment to opposing the DOGE initiative and supporting affected federal workers. The White House’s reaction suggests a firm stance against any attempts to impede the administration’s agenda, setting the scene for further conflict and highlighting the deep partisan divisions currently prevalent in American politics. The future of the displaced federal workers, and the broader implications for government services, now hang in the balance, subject to the outcome of legal battles and the evolving political landscape. This unfolding narrative underscores the increasing tension between state and federal powers, and the profound impact of political ideologies on the lives of public servants.
