As Donald Trump takes the oath of office today, becoming the 47th President of the United States, America is on the brink of a new era—one that promises to prioritize accountability and drain the swamp of corruption. And there’s no better place to start than Albany, where Governor Kathy Hochul’s $80 million project to repair 77 steps at the New York State Capitol reeks of mismanagement, waste, and possible fraud.
Let’s break this down. According to the New York Post, the cost to repair the Capitol’s grand staircase has ballooned from $17 million in 2014 to $80 million in 2025. That’s over $1 million per step—an absurd figure that defies explanation or justification. The staircase has been closed since 2015, and instead of fixing it efficiently, Hochul’s administration has allowed this project to spiral into a financial black hole.
New Yorkers are no strangers to bloated government budgets, but this goes beyond incompetence. This is an outright insult to every taxpayer in the state. How can Hochul justify this? Is she building each step out of solid gold? Or perhaps these “renovations” are padded with lucrative contracts for her political allies?
The governor’s office would no doubt dismiss these questions as hyperbole, but when public funds are being burned at this rate, skepticism is not just warranted—it’s essential.
Time for Federal Oversight
Governor Hochul’s proposal doesn’t stop at the staircase. She’s also pushing a $400 million plan to revitalize downtown Albany, including $150 million for the New York State Museum and $200 million for other projects, according to Times Union. While infrastructure investments are important, can we trust her administration to handle them without turning them into another financial scandal?
This is where the incoming Attorney General, Pam Bondi, must step in. The federal government has every reason to investigate this outrageous misuse of public funds. At a time when New York families are struggling with inflation and high taxes, the idea of $1 million per step is not just tone-deaf—it’s criminal.
A Governor for the Elites, Not the People
Hochul’s track record shows a clear pattern: prioritizing wasteful projects and big-money contracts over the needs of everyday New Yorkers. Meanwhile, infrastructure across the state continues to crumble, housing costs soar, and small businesses struggle to recover. And yet, Hochul’s administration seems more concerned with appeasing wealthy contractors than delivering results for her constituents.
The $80 million staircase debacle is not just a story about bad governance; it’s a symbol of everything wrong with Albany politics. It’s a slap in the face to every New Yorker who works hard and pays their taxes, only to see their money funneled into projects that benefit a select few.
Enough Is Enough
Today, as President Trump takes office and promises a renewed focus on justice and transparency, the time has come to hold leaders like Hochul accountable. New Yorkers deserve answers: Why does it cost $1 million per step? Who approved this outrageous budget? And how much of this money is lining the pockets of political cronies?
If Hochul can’t provide a clear, honest accounting of these funds, she should resign—or better yet, face a full investigation from the Department of Justice. Corruption at this level cannot be ignored, and it’s time for leaders who care more about the people than their own political gains.
The Capitol’s staircase may be broken, but it’s Hochul’s administration that truly needs fixing. New Yorkers deserve better, and the nation is watching. Let’s hope Pam Bondi and the Trump administration are, too.
Disclaimer: This article represents the author’s personal opinions and commentary based on publicly available information reported by reputable sources, including The New York Post and Times Union. It is not intended to accuse any individual or entity of illegal activity or wrongdoing. The author’s views are formed from the information currently accessible and may change if additional details come to light. We acknowledge that the full context of this situation may evolve as more information becomes available. Readers are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek further information. This article is provided for informational and editorial purposes only and is not a statement of fact.
