Trump Criticizes New York Surrogacy Bill at Syracuse Rally

During a rally in Syracuse, President Donald Trump criticized a New York surrogacy bill. He campaigned alongside Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman. Trump’s comments targeted the bill that modifies terminology related to surrogacy in state laws. He noted the legislation replaces terms like ‘mother’ and ‘father’ with ‘gestating parent’ and ‘non-gestating parent.’ Addressing the crowd at the Oncenter, Trump jokingly suggested you can no longer greet your mother traditionally, mimicking the new phrasing to the amusement of attendees.

Trump expanded his criticism to Governor Kathy Hochul, connecting her stance on issues like transgender children’s health care and women’s sports to this measure. Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson appeared at the event, endorsing Trump by calling him ‘my president.’

Key Points

• Thousands attended the campaign event, per the New York Post.
• Hochul’s office stated no legislation changes the perspective that ‘mothers are mothers and fathers are fathers.’
• A Marist poll showed Hochul leading her Republican opponent by 11 points.
• A Siena University poll in the prior month had the race closer, within single digits.

The legislation has become an electoral issue as Republicans aim to depict Albany Democrats as detached from common concerns. The bill updates terminology in certain parentage legal matters. Proponents say it clarifies legal aspects of surrogacy. Opponents argue it reduces the role of mothers and fathers while increasing government power in family issues.

Blakeman and Hochul’s Perspectives

Trump also turned attention to Blakeman, who is challenging the Democratic incumbent. ‘New York needs to oust this radical left lunatic and elect Bruce Blakeman,’ Trump said. Blakeman described the legislation as ‘insane,’ claiming it strips parents of control. He argued it disrespects traditional family roles and hands decision-making to Albany.

Hochul’s spokesperson denied Blakeman’s interpretation, stating the governor is still considering the bill. ‘The legislation, under review, appears aimed at legal details of surrogacy and parentage,’ the spokesperson explained. Critics accusing political deceit are misleading New Yorkers deliberately, they added. The disagreement highlights diverging views on ideological shifts versus legal intentions.

Current Polling in the Governor’s Race

Polls indicate Blakeman trails Hochul in the race significantly.

• An Emerson College/PIX11 News poll from early October placed Hochul 12 points ahead, with a 3.3-point margin of error.
• A Marist poll from October 1-4 revealed an 11-point difference, with a margin of error of 3.6 points.
• A Quinnipiac University survey in September showed a 19-point lead for Hochul, with a 4.1-point margin of error.
• Siena University polling in mid-September found Hochul leading by nine points, with a 3.9-point margin of error for core questions.

While the differences range from nine to 19 points, all surveys indicate Hochul’s advantage. Caution is advised in comparisons due to different voter samples in these polls.

Newsweek produced this report with assistance from Martyn, our AI assistant. For more details, contact editor Edward Pearcey.