In a city known for sharp political elbows, the fight between U.S. President Donald Trump (R), Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) over the proper way to handle the protests, riots and looting that have broken out across the city would rival a Wrestling Wrestling Federation SmackDown.
Trump, a Queens native and former Manhattan resident, has publicly criticized New York over decisions made in the past six days of protests, going as far to even make fun of Cuomo and his younger brother — who were both also born and raised in Queens — Christopher Cuomo, who is a CNN news anchor.
“Yesterday was a bad day for the Cuomo Brothers,” Trump wrote on Twitter yesterday morning. “New York was lost to the looters, thugs, Radical Left, and all others forms of Lowlife & Scum. The Governor refuses to accept my offer of a dominating National Guard. NYC was ripped to pieces. Likewise, Fredo’s ratings are down 50%!”
The president went on to Tweet the following, which also alluded to Cuomo’s mismanagement of the nursing home industry during the COVID pandemic:
NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! Don’t make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 2, 2020
Cuomo, not one to take any criticism, blasted Trump during his press briefing yesterday for the idea of using the country’s military forces against its own people.
While both the governor and mayor are united against the idea of bringing in the military and are against the president’s rhetoric, it does not mean that the two are united.
“I believe the mayor underestimates the scope of the problem,” Cuomo said at his briefing. “I think he underestimates the duration of the problem. And I don’t think he used enough police to address the situation, because it is inarguable that it was not addressed last night. It’s facts.”
He continued, “What happened in New York City was inexcusable,” referring to the high amount of looting that took place.
Cuomo went on to explain that while he doesn’t think the city did a good job at handling the situation last night, as evidenced by the looting and by people staying out after the curfew, he feels that the National Guard isn’t necessary if de Blasio uses the full force of the NYPD and its roughly 38,000 uniformed officers.
If used effectively, the NYPD is all the city will need at the moment, he said.
De Blasio, not one to take any criticism from Cuomo lying down, accused the governor of disrespecting the NYPD.
“These comments are offensive to the men and women of the NYPD, who are out there every night trying to keep New Yorkers safe,” mayoral press secretary Freddi Goldstein told Kings County Politics. “It would be nice if our officers knew they had the respect of their Governor.”
However, both de Blasio and Cuomo did appear to agree with one suggestion from Trump and that was to move the 11 p.m. curfew earlier – to 8 p.m. Trump called to move it up to 7 p.m.
“I support and protect peaceful protest in this city. The demonstrations we’ve seen have been generally peaceful. We can’t let violence undermine the message of this moment. It is too important and the message must be heard. Tonight, to protect against violence and property damage, the Governor and I have decided to implement a citywide curfew,” the mayor said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Trump, who forcefully cleared out protesters in front of the White House to attend church in what many critics called a photo op, maintains that he is taking the correct action to stem more rioting and looting that has beset much of the country.
“To ensure the safety and security of the American people, President Trump took decisive action to activate the National Guard and local police forces to take back control of Washington, D.C.,” said John Horstman, White House Director of Media Affairs.
“The symbolism of this action is important, as President Trump knows that states across the country, including New York, are looking to our nation’s capital for leadership. President Trump will continue to defend Americans, and ensure the rule of law is not eroded by violence and hate,” he added.
