New York Governor Hochul expresses no need for Trump's National Guard troops

New York City, 1st August — In a series of moves aimed at addressing crime and maintaining public safety, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has amended several criminal justice laws that have drawn criticism from former President Donald Trump.

According to the latest NYPD statistics, major crimes in the city have seen a decrease of 4.7% so far this year, compared to 2024. This positive trend continues, as reported by NYPD officials in June, with shootings and homicides trending lower in 2025 than previous years.

In response to this decline, Hochul has taken a proactive approach, deploying the National Guard to the New York City subway system to deter crime and help with random passenger bag checks. This deployment, however, differs from Trump's recent move to send National Guard troops to the streets of Washington, D.C., as Hochul is in charge of the New York National Guard and the soldiers work closely with the NYPD.

The special unit of the National Guard, if deployed, could assist local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring public safety and order. However, Hochul has conveyed to President Trump that there was no need for the National Guard to be deployed to New York City.

Hochul's efforts have not been limited to crime prevention. She has successfully pushed state lawmakers to give judges more discretion in setting bail in violent felony cases, a move that prosecutors claim will result in fewer cases being dismissed. Additionally, this year, Hochul has also pushed for changes to the requirements for sharing evidence before criminal trials.

These changes, coupled with the decline in crime rates, have led Hochul to publicly state that crime rates are falling in New York City. Despite the positive developments, Governor Hochul remains committed to maintaining public safety and ensuring that New York remains a safe place for its residents.

In a phone call with President Trump on Saturday, Hochul discussed the deployment of the National Guard. As a Democrat, Hochul's approach to crime and public safety contrasts with Trump's, who recently deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., in response to what he perceives as elevated crime rates.

Interestingly, federal statistics show that crime is at a 30-year low in the Washington, D.C., area. This discrepancy between the perceived crime rates and the actual statistics raises questions about the necessity and effectiveness of deploying the National Guard in these instances.

As the situation continues to evolve, Governor Hochul and the NYPD remain vigilant, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of New York City's residents.