New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s press office drew attention Tuesday after sharing a photo of former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers while quoting a White House post announcing Katie Zacharia’s first appearance as press secretary.
The image showed Rodgers carrying an American flag before a September 2023 game against the Buffalo Bills. Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon during the game after four offensive snaps and missed the rest of the season. Hochul’s account did not explain the post’s intended meaning. The juxtaposition appeared to invite a comparison between Zacharia’s debut and Rodgers’ abruptly ended season, but the office’s intent is not established by the post itself.
The source reports that the governor’s office was asked for clarification. It also notes criticism of the post on social media, without detailing how widespread that reaction was.
The post drew renewed attention to a separate matter involving Hochul’s former press secretary, Avi Small. According to the source, Small resigned on July 4, 2025, after being put on leave during an investigation into a sexual harassment complaint. The complaint involved an allegation that he touched a fellow staffer inappropriately at an Albany bar after a staff event. The governor’s office said the investigation had substantially concluded but did not release its findings, the source reports. Small’s resignation and the existence of a complaint do not establish the allegation as proven.
Zacharia succeeded Karoline Leavitt, whom President Donald Trump named to an outside adviser role, according to the source. Her first briefing lasted about 14 minutes. Trump later praised her performance.
Hochul’s communications director previously said the governor had zero tolerance for employee misconduct and that Small was placed on leave when the complaint reached the office. Hochul later defended her administration’s handling of the matter, saying the system had worked.
