President Trump took a shot at New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) brother shortly before their planned meeting at the White House, telling the governor not to bring “Fredo” in reference to his brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.
“I’m seeing Governor Cuomo today at The White House. He must understand that National Security far exceeds politics,” Trump tweeted Thursday afternoon, about an hour before the two were scheduled to meet in the Oval Office.
“New York must stop all of its unnecessary lawsuits & harrassment, start cleaning itself up, and lowering taxes,” Trump tweeted. “Build relationships, but don’t bring Fredo!”
Trump is expected to meet with Cuomo about his administration’s decision to block New York state from the Global Entry program.
The Department of Homeland Security said last week that it would block New Yorkers from enrolling in trusted traveler programs that allow them to bypass long security lines at airports and customs after a state law permitted immigrants without legal status to obtain driver’s licenses.
Trump has repeatedly mocked Chris Cuomo, who is the younger brother of Andrew Cuomo, as “Fredo,” a reference to an Italian-American character from the movie “The Godfather.” Chris Cuomo memorably became heated after a man called him “Fredo” and accused the person of using a slur last year; the exchange was captured on video that went viral before Trump started using the name.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Cuomo at 3 p.m. in the Oval Office. The meeting is supposed to be closed to the press.