Part 4/8:
A significant portion of the address is dedicated to Staten Island’s brewing secession movement. Staten Island, historically the most conservative part of New York City, has long sought independence, with recent elections bolstering the movement’s momentum amid fears that New York itself is transforming into a "People’s Republic" under the influence of progressive and socialist ideologies.
The speaker emphasizes the economic importance of Staten Island, citing its $17 billion GDP in 2022, and warns that if the borough succeeds in separating, the city will lose a vital revenue source. However, this potential split is also portrayed as a symbol of a larger societal fragmentation—people fleeing the city due to unchecked progressive policies, rising crime, and demographic changes.