New York Governor Kathy Hochul faced criticism from some conservatives over her appearance at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York in Queens over the weekend, where she wore a headscarf.
Hochul, a Democrat, donned a charcoal gray suit and a black scarf, a style often worn by Muslim women to symbolize modesty and religious faith, during a visit that included addressing congregants at the weekly Friday Jummah prayer service. The governor expressed thanks for being welcomed and toured the center's school facilities. A statement from the center acknowledged her visit as a "meaningful recognition of the role ICCS plays in New York as a community partner."
However, the governor's attire drew sharp reactions from some conservative commentators. Texas Congressman Brandon Gill accused Democrats of hypocrisy, contrasting their criticisms of Republicans with Hochul's actions. CNN anchor Scott Jennings sarcastically remarked on the governor's choice, while Ben Shapiro, co-founder of The Daily Wire, linked the appearance to the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks and to past statements by a New York City mayor about the events of that day.
Swimming activist Riley Gaines commented on the perceived irony of a self-described feminist wearing a hijab. "A self-described feminist voluntarily wearing a hijab to not offend/arouse Muslim men. Oh, the irony," Gaines wrote.
It is not uncommon for prominent women, including politicians and public figures, to wear head coverings as a sign of respect at events involving Muslim leaders and communities. Figures such as former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Nikki Haley, former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, and Ivanka Trump have previously worn hijabs during similar engagements.
This instance echoes a previous occasion in July 2025 when Senator Ted Cruz criticized Hochul for wearing a headscarf at the funeral of slain NYPD Detective Didarul Islam, who was Muslim. Hochul responded at the time by stating that respecting a grieving family's faith is what "leaders and anyone with basic decency would do."