New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Dons Hijab While Speaking to Group of Muslim Men (VIDEO)

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was spotted wearing a hijab while addressing a predominantly male Muslim audience in New York City on Friday.

Video circulating online shows the Democratic governor speaking in a black headscarf during a visit publicized by the Islamic Center of New York.

“I want to thank His Excellency Mr. [Tareq] Albanai,” Hochul says in the clip, before thanking an imam and other officials associated with the organization.

Watch the clip below:

New York Governor Kathy Hochul dons a hijab during a public appearance in New York. She will lecture you about women’s rights all day, until she’s standing in front of Muslim men. pic.twitter.com/WWvCsQZpde

— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) August 30, 2026

In Islamic culture, the hijab is traditionally worn as a sign of “modesty,” intended to shield a woman’s body from the gaze of men.

It is not the first time Hochul has worn an Islamic head covering in public.

In July 2025, she wore a headscarf while attending the funeral of slain Muslim NYPD Officer Didarul Islam.

After Sen. Ted Cruz questioned the decision, Hochul claimed she had done so out of respect.

“I wore a headscarf to honor a fallen Muslim NYPD officer at his funeral.

Respecting a grieving family’s faith is “wut” leaders and anyone with basic decency would do,” she said at the time.

I wore a headscarf to honor a fallen Muslim NYPD officer at his funeral.⁰⁰Respecting a grieving family’s faith is “wut” leaders and anyone with basic decency would do. https://t.co/3fKOCdSnim

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 2, 2025

Hochul has also previously recognized World Hijab Day, praising women who are forced to wear the hijab as feminist advocates.

Democratic lawmakers in New York have similarly promoted the observance as an effort to combat supposed discrimination against Muslim women.