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Gov. Hochul sparks outrage with order to light up One World Trade Center to honor Muslims

January 3, 2026 | | Print Article

New York’s Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul’s order for sixteen state landmarks to be lighted in green to celebrate “the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans” drew an outraged reaction from many.

On the day after Muslim socialist Zohran Mamdani was sworn as the new mayor of New York City, Hochul decreed that the state would mark Muslim American Heritage Month by showing the green, a color normally reserved for St. Patrick’s Day.

The green lighting, which is a sacred color in the Islamic faith, also included One World Trade Center in Manhattan, a building that sits on the site of the old World Trade Center, which was destroyed by Islamic terrorists on September 11, 2001, a particularly tone deaf measure by a woman who has been branded as “the worst governor in America.”

“Home to the largest Muslim American population in the nation, New York is proud to join in this month-long celebration, recognizing the values, faith and traditions of our Muslim American communities,” Hochul said in a statement. “New York remains committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity that celebrates the diversity of its Muslim American population and protects them from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm.”

Hochul’s proclamation includes nearly two dozen statements from Muslim politicians and organizations praising her pandering. She is up for reelection this year.

The Muslim green will also be featured at the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, Grand Central Terminal – the Pershing Square Viaduct, Empire State Plaza, and Niagara Falls, as well as other landmarks.

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“The twin towers were unable to be lit green tonight,” Queens GOP Councilwoman Vickie Paladino wrote in a post to X.

Hochul’s pro-Muslim proclamation and the mind-bogglingly tone deaf inclusion of One World Trade Center on the list sparked an angry reaction from X users.

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“While I was proud to be sworn in as our city’s first Muslim mayor yesterday, Muslims have been part of New York for centuries. We have built small businesses, raised our families, pursued every profession, enriched our culture and cuisine, and been a part of what makes our city what it is today. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in recognizing these many contributions and ensuring that every January, Muslim New Yorkers can see ourselves reflected and recognized in a city and state that is also our home,” Mamdani said in a statement, planting his flag.

Some might be tempted to wonder how pleased Osama bin Laden would be.

Chris Donaldson
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