As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, several prominent Democratic governors are adjusting their approach to ensure a working relationship with his new administration. While some are adopting caution to avoid antagonizing Trump, others are balancing their party's desire to challenge his agenda.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of both standing up for values under attack and seeking common ground with the incoming administration. Similarly, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed willingness to push back on certain policies while also finding areas of collaboration, such as infrastructure.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a more combative stance, allocating additional funds for legal battles against the Trump administration. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis formed a group focused on safeguarding democratic institutions.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who previously initiated lawsuits against Trump, has adopted a more measured approach following the election. She highlighted the need to assess Trump's actions and policies before taking a definitive stance.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a vocal critic of Trump during the campaign, is now adopting a wait-and-see strategy. She aims to identify shared priorities with the incoming administration, particularly in areas like economic development.
Overall, Democratic governors are navigating a delicate balance between challenging Trump's agenda and finding opportunities for collaboration as they prepare to work with the new administration.
