Key facts
- Governor Kathy Hochul called discussions about renaming Lake Ontario "silly talk."
- Hochul criticized the Trump administration's trade policies with Canada.
- She stated that tariffs are negatively impacting New York farmers and consumers.
- Farmers at the state fair shared concerns about cross-border trade and tourism.
- Hochul questioned how forgiving Canadians will be of current US policies.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul dismissed any suggestions of renaming Lake Ontario as "silly talk," while also criticizing the Trump administration's trade policies with Canada. Speaking at the state fair, Hochul framed the conversation around the negative impacts of tariffs on New York's agricultural sector and consumers.
Hochul stated that the current trade war is causing suffering for farmers and families. She expressed hope that farmers and those in the dairy industry would recognize which political party is fighting for them and which is causing them harm. Representative John Mannion, who accompanied Hochul, noted that polls indicate a shift in rural communities and farmers towards the Democratic party.
During her visit to the fair, Hochul heard from several agricultural producers. A maple farmer mentioned that the manufacturers of essential tools are located in Canada. A vintner expressed dismay over the decrease in Canadian tourism, and an orchardist described the "nerve-wracking" uncertainty surrounding his export sales. Hochul, a native of Buffalo, questioned the long-term healing of the relationship with Canada and the potential for forgiveness under future administrations or policies.