February 26, 2026
Governor Hochul: “The Supreme Court has now said these tariffs are flat out illegal. It was done in violation of law… and New Yorkers have paid more than they should have under an illegal scheme that the Supreme Court has now struck down. So I am demanding, with a letter going to Secretary of Treasury Bessent today, demanding the full refund for New Yorkers, for individual families, to the tune of $13.5 billion. We believe we are owed this. This is separate from individual businesses. I think you have the right then to file for a refund of what you paid on this illegal scheme. I want refunds for New Yorkers because New York families have paid on average $1,750 more in everything from groceries at the store to their Christmas presents, to now their wine.”
Hochul: “The State of New York’s residents are owed money. $13.5 billion is what we’re seeking. We do want to enter a golden age. It’s just not the one that President Trump has described. And so, we’re going to continue fighting for our businesses, our families, our entrepreneurs. People love this state and love this country, and just want a fair shot. Small businesses already pay a lot in federal and state taxes. And now to have this extra tariff thrown on them and their customers is just a kick in the teeth and they don’t deserve that.”
Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul visited small business owner Victor Schwartz, the owner of VOS Selections and a plaintiff in the lawsuit that recently led to a Supreme Court decision which ruled that the Trump administration’s tariff policies were unlawful.
As part of her visit, the Governor highlighted her ongoing demand for federal tariff refunds.
