Transcript: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” July 19, 2026
Transcript: Hochul on Face the Nation July 19, 2026
bizeconanalysis.com – This transcript captures the full conversation between Margaret Brennan and New York Governor Kathy Hochul during her appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on July 19, 2026. The interview transcript covers critical topics including World Cup security preparations and new data center policies for the state.
World Cup Security in the Transcript
According to the transcript, Brennan welcomed Hochul back to the program, acknowledging the Governor’s demanding schedule. The upcoming World Cup finals in neighboring New Jersey will attract major international attention. The transcript notes that the U.S. President, Mexican President, and Canadian Prime Minister are all expected to attend the matches.
When questioned about security readiness amid current threats, Hochul conveyed confidence in ongoing preparations. The transcript reveals her emphasis on extensive collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies throughout the planning phase.
“We’ve worked so close with our federal, state, and local partners in law enforcement. We have been preparing for this for literally over a year, over 1,000 exercises, tabletopping all the scenarios.”
The Governor specifically praised the NYPD as the world’s premier police force. According to the transcript, New Yorkers are enthusiastic about hosting this global event, with international viewers following developments in the New York City metropolitan area.
Data Center Policy in the Transcript
The transcript then highlights a significant policy announcement Hochul made the previous week. She signed an executive order establishing a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers—essential facilities for artificial intelligence technology. This represents a notable shift from her earlier stance, when she viewed data center development as primarily a municipal matter.
Explaining her changed perspective in the transcript, Hochul emphasized conversations with local communities. She observed that municipalities lack adequate negotiating power to ensure residents receive meaningful benefits from these developments. Local governments also struggle to require companies to provide their own power or contribute more to grid costs, and they cannot effectively reject tax incentives offered to developers.
“The state has to lead here, but it’s not about being the first. It’s about being the first to get it right.”
With more than thirty applicants currently seeking approval, Hochul determined that state-level leadership was necessary. The transcript outlines several key requirements: monitoring water consumption through a dedicated study, ensuring companies contribute to grid infrastructure, and maintaining conditions that protect local communities. She referenced Micron, a company the state successfully recruited, as an example of creating approximately 50,000 jobs while balancing corporate needs with public interests.
Ratepayer Protection in the Transcript
The conversation turned to the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which governors from Missouri, Montana, and Wyoming have signed. This agreement encourages AI data center operators like OpenAI and Amazon to commit to not raising consumer prices and to help fund infrastructure improvements.
When Brennan asked why Hochul did not simply adopt this federal pledge, the Governor explained her more pragmatic approach. The transcript shows she expressed willingness to work with companies but emphasized that New York must ensure its residents benefit equally from AI development.
“I want to make sure that New Yorkers succeed as well. So it’s not a one-way street. I don’t want the companies coming in and telling us how to do things in our state.”
Hochul characterized her position as welcoming innovation while establishing clear rules. According to the transcript, she noted that once companies understand how to operate within New York’s framework, they will be eager to participate. To implement this vision, she has assigned seven state agencies to oversee the process, providing the necessary breathing room to develop comprehensive policies that protect both residents and businesses.