Hochul Wears Hijab at Islamic Center Days Before 9/11 Anniversary, Sparks GOP Backlash

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul sparked a fresh social media firestorm Friday after appearing in a black hijab before an audience of Muslim religious and community leaders in New York, a move critics were quick to brand as political pandering with the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks just days away.

Video of the Democratic governor addressing the gathering showed her wearing the headscarf, prompting immediate backlash from conservatives—including Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), who seized on the optics to highlight what he called the Left’s favorite cultural wedge issue.

“Democrats: ‘Sexist Republicans are turning America into the Handmaid’s Tale!’ Also Democrats:” Gill posted on X, attaching the photo of Hochul in the hijab.

The post quickly went viral, with critics noting that this was not Hochul’s first time donning the religious headwear. She previously wore a hijab at the July 2025 funeral of slain NYPD officer Didarul Islam, according to reports. And Hochul is far from alone among prominent Democratic women who have adopted the garment—Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have all been photographed in hijabs at various events, as noted by RedState.

A Pattern of Headscarf Diplomacy

The recurring imagery has fueled accusations that Democratic leaders are engaging in symbolic gestures to court Muslim voters, even as the party’s own rhetoric often frames conservative policies as a dystopian threat to women’s rights.

For years, Democrats and their media allies have leaned heavily on Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale to attack conservatives, suggesting that Republican governance would usher in a real-life version of the fictional Republic of Gilead—a totalitarian society where women are subjugated.

Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) made the comparison explicitly in 2024, declaring on social media: “We’re living in the Handmaid’s Tale – in the state of Arizona – in 2024.” Her post referenced a quote from her former high school AP English teacher, state Sen. Christine Marsh.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) went even further during a national TV interview, agreeing that fears of a GOP-led “Gilead” were “not hyperbolic.”

Former MSNBC host Joy Reid has repeatedly branded red states like Texas as “Handmaid’s Tale” territory, ranting about “the Republicans of Gilead.” On The View, Sunny Hostin publicly shamed Republican women, sneering: “Do they want to live in Gilead?”

Left-wing groups such as Democrats Abroad have even published entire presentations directly comparing GOP platform initiatives and Project 2025 to Atwood’s novel. Protesters have marched in crimson robes and white bonnets, and liberal pundits have slapped the “Handmaid” label on conservative women like Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL).

Critics See Hypocrisy

The juxtaposition has not gone unnoticed. Critics argue that Democrats are willing to smear conservatives as oppressive “Gilead” bosses for supporting pro-life values, yet are eager to drape themselves in religious coverings—including the hijab, which some view as a symbol of patriarchal control—without a second thought.

Hochul, who has called herself a feminist, has not publicly commented on the latest controversy. Her office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The timing of Friday’s appearance—just ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which were carried out by radical Muslims—added another layer of sensitivity. Some critics suggested that Hochul’s choice of attire was particularly tone-deaf given the national mourning that accompanies the anniversary.

“This is not about respecting faith,” one social media user wrote. “This is about optics, and it’s insulting to the victims of 9/11 and to the women who are forced to wear hijabs.”

Others defended Hochul, pointing out that wearing a hijab is a common sign of respect in Muslim-majority settings and that the governor has a history of engaging with diverse communities.

Still, the political fallout shows no signs of abating, with Republicans using the moment to highlight what they see as a double standard in Democratic messaging.

“The party that claims to be fighting for women’s rights is the same party that celebrates a governor covering herself in a symbol of patriarchal oppression,” said one GOP strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They can’t have it both ways.”

As the 9/11 anniversary approaches, the debate over Hochul’s hijab is likely to continue, underscoring the deep partisan divides over issues of faith, feminism, and political symbolism.

Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-yorks-governor-wears-hijab-for-muslim-men-just-ahead-of-9-11-anniversary