On October 1, New York Governor Kathy Hochul cautioned that the Statue of Liberty could “go dark” during the federal government shutdown.
Standing near Lady Liberty, Hochul criticized Washington Republicans, blaming the shutdown for threatening entitlement programs, services, and national parks such as Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
She made clear that New York would not cover federal costs to keep the landmark open, unlike past actions by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Political Clash Over Blame
The shutdown has ignited a sharp partisan divide. Hochul attributed the crisis to Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, while Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York) accused Democrats of failing to keep the government funded.
Republicans claim Democrats prioritize services for undocumented immigrants, while Democrats argue they are safeguarding health care for Americans.
Impact on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Department of Interior announced that both Liberty and Ellis Islands would remain open despite initial warnings. However, Hochul’s statement highlighted the symbolic risk of Lady Liberty’s torch going dark — a troubling image during a political standoff.
Cuomo, now running for New York City mayor as an independent, emphasized that the statue should never close due to federal dysfunction. He recalled spending $1.5 million in state funds during the 2018-2019 shutdown to ensure continuous access.
Workers Face Uncertainty
Beyond symbolism, the shutdown directly threatens workers. Manny Pastreich, president of the 32BJ SEIU union representing cleaners and security staff at the Statue of Liberty, warned that union workers are especially vulnerable.
Unlike federal employees, they are not entitled to backpay, leaving them at risk of eviction, utility shutoffs, and food insecurity if paychecks stop.
The potential closure of the Statue of Liberty has become both a political flashpoint and a real threat to workers’ livelihoods. While officials debate responsibility in Washington and Albany, the future of one of America’s most enduring symbols of freedom hangs in the balance.
