Dear Governors of the New England States and New York,

We stand at a pivotal moment in our history. The federal government, under the authoritarian ambitions of Donald Trump, is escalating its assault on state sovereignty, democratic norms, and the very people you swore to protect.

This is not just an attack on policy. It is an attack on our identity—on what makes New England and New York a beacon of liberty, opportunity, and progress.

The Threats We Face Are Escalating:

• Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, has openly declared he is “bringing hell” to Boston for standing by its sanctuary policies. This is not just rhetoric; it is a promise of raids, family separations, and federal overreach into our local governance.
• A nationwide push to use state and local law enforcement as an arm of federal immigration enforcement is gaining traction, despite previous Supreme Court rulings affirming our autonomy.
• Trump’s administration is accelerating mass deportations, reshuffling ICE leadership to purge those seen as “too slow.” A wave of indiscriminate enforcement actions will not only tear families apart but disrupt economies, harm communities, and deepen political divides.
• Targeting State Policies: The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into Maine’s educational practices, threatening federal funding, simply because Maine defended its inclusive policies.
• Undermining Local Initiatives: The Trump administration has rescinded federal approval for New York City’s congestion pricing program, despite its success in reducing traffic and funding public transit, disregarding the city’s autonomy and its residents’ well-being.

You, the governors of New England and New York, must act decisively. It is time to form an official Union of Northeastern States (UNS) to stand together against federal tyranny.

Why Unifying Now is Essential
The combined economic and political power of our seven states is staggering:

• A Regional Economic Powerhouse – Together, we represent a combined GDP of over $6 trillion—more than the United Kingdom or India.
• A Population of Over 40 Million – More than the entire country of Canada. A force that cannot be ignored in national or global affairs.
• A Hub of Civil-Minded, Engaged Citizens – Our states are home to some of the most politically active, socially conscious, and educated populations in the country. From liberal strongholds to fiercely independent-minded communities, we are united by a shared belief in democracy, civil rights, and human dignity.
• A Region Rich in Diversity and Faith – Whether Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or of no faith at all, our people are bound by a fundamental belief in justice and the dignity of every human being. A federal assault on our communities is an assault on the very values that unite us.

Call to Action: What We Must Do Now

1. Establish the Union of Northeastern States (UNS)

• A formalized alliance of Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
• A legally binding compact affirming our commitment to shared economic, legal, and human rights protections.
• A regional governing body tasked with coordinating policy responses, legal challenges, and mutual support between our states.

2. Create a Unified Legal Defense Fund

• Pool state resources to launch immediate lawsuits against unconstitutional federal actions.
• Shield our law enforcement, courts, and public institutions from being commandeered by ICE or federal agencies.
• Block any attempt by the Trump administration to strip federal funding from states that refuse to comply with his demands.

3. Develop a Joint Economic and Trade Strategy

• Utilize our $6 trillion combined economy to negotiate regional trade agreements with allies like Canada and the EU.
• Explore direct state-to-province trade agreements with Quebec and Ontario to bolster supply chains and minimize reliance on an unstable federal government.
• Leverage our ports, universities, and tech industries to attract global investment and ensure economic resilience.

4. Establish a Cross-State Rapid Response Network

• Coordinate intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies to monitor and counteract federal overreach.
• Implement an interstate emergency response system to provide immediate legal aid, shelter, and financial assistance to targeted communities.
• Launch a real-time communication hub for attorneys general, governors, and advocacy groups to coordinate resistance.

The Benefits of Joining This Union

• Massachusetts – Defends its progressive policies and preserves Boston’s status as a sanctuary hub for justice.
• New York – As the region’s economic and cultural epicenter, leads national efforts against authoritarianism.
• Connecticut – Protects its financial sector while ensuring cities like New Haven remain immigrant-friendly.
• Rhode Island – Shields its working-class communities and strengthens its port economy through regional trade.
• Vermont– Preserves its deep-rooted values of liberty and equality while securing protections for its farming and refugee programs.
• New Hampshire – Maintains its fiercely independent stance while benefiting from regional cooperation against federal overreach.
• Maine – Safeguards its fishing and tourism industries while protecting asylum-seekers and immigrants who are vital to its workforce.

We Are Stronger Together. We Must Act Now.
This is not about politics—it is about democracy versus tyranny.

This is about our right to govern our own states, protect our own people, and uphold the principles that have defined us for generations.

If we do not act now, we may soon find ourselves answering to a federal government that no longer respects the Constitution, the rule of law, or the rights of its people.

I urge you to commit to the Union of Northeastern States today.

Let us show the country—and the world—that we will not be bullied. That we will not be silenced. That we will not bow to authoritarian rule.

Together, we can ensure that the Northeast remains a beacon of freedom, justice, and resilience.

We do not stand alone. But we must stand together.