Trump Feuds With N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo Over Lawsuits Against Him, Bans Residents From Global Entry Program

President Donald Trump indicated Thursday that his administration’s travel restrictions on New York could be loosened if the state drops lawsuits against him.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) “must understand that National Security far exceeds politics,” Trump tweeted hours before their meeting. “New York must stop all of its unnecessary lawsuits & harassment, start cleaning itself up, and lowering taxes. Build relationships, but don’t bring Fredo!”

I’m seeing Governor Cuomo today at The White House. He must understand that National Security far exceeds politics. New York must stop all of its unnecessary lawsuits & harrassment, start cleaning itself up, and lowering taxes. Build relationships, but don’t bring Fredo!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 13, 2020

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The Trump administration blocked New York residents from enrolling in Global Entry and other “trusted traveler” programs that allow for faster border crossings and shorter airport lines, in response to New York’s new “Green Light” law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain state driver’s licenses and prevents federal immigration authorities from reviewing the state’s department of motor vehicle records.

However, the lawsuits referenced by Trump were not brought by Cuomo, but rather by State attorney general Letitia James.

James has subpoenaed for Trump’s tax returns and is pursuing several inquiries about the Trump Organization’s business practices. Trump’s now-dissolved charity was also ordered to pay $2 million as part of a settlement in New York, where it was found to have misused funds.

“When you stop violating the rights and liberties of all New Yorkers, we will stand down,” James said in response to Trump’s tweet. “Until then, we have a duty and responsibility to defend the Constitution and the rule of law. BTW, I file the lawsuits, not the Governor.”

When you stop violating the rights and liberties of all New Yorkers, we will stand down.

Until then, we have a duty and responsibility to defend the Constitution and the rule of law.

BTW, I file the lawsuits, not the Governor. https://t.co/tsOLeEgiQp

— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) February 13, 2020

James is currently suing the Trump administration over its New York Global entry ban.

“The Trump administration’s new policy not only negatively impacts travelers, workers, commerce and our economy, but it jeopardizes public safety,” James said. “No one should ever use our nation’s security as a political weapon, let alone the commander in chief.”