Trump, Cuomo Discuss Taxes, Economy and Abortion During Tuesday Meeting

Donald Trump (left) and Andrew Cuomo

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump met with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday at the White House.

The two spoke after Cuomo requested a meeting to discuss a provision in the Republicans’ 2017 tax-cut law that caps the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000.

The meeting largely focused on economic issues, though Trump brought up abortion as well, the White House said.

Deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement that Trump listened to Cuomo’s concerns about SALT, and “reiterated the negative impact that high taxes in states like New York have on hardworking families and job creators.”

The president also reportedly suggested Cuomo open New York up to fracking to improve its economy.

Deere said “The President discussed economic growth opportunities for the State of New York, including helping lower energy prices throughout the entire Northeast by allowing fracking and pipeline systems.

Cuomo signed a ban on fracking in New York roughly four years ago, citing health risks.

The governor has faced criticism for the stagnating economy in parts of upstate New York, where Trump and other Republicans believe fracking could provide a boost. On a couple of separate occasions Trump has also suggested residents leave the state to find better jobs and and opportunities elsewhere in more business-friendly states.

Following the meeting, Cuomo had an interview on WCBS where he reiterated the differences he shares with the president.

“He wants to roll back Roe v. Wade which is a Supreme Court case that guarantees a woman’s right to choose. Take us back to a time when women couldn’t get an abortion legally. And we in New York State have legalized a woman’s right to choose. So we have a total different opinion on that,” Cuomo said, adding, “This is an administration that has total disregard for the environment. They rolled back the Paris Peace Accord. They deny climate change. Even though anyone who has a television or a radio hears extreme weather we have all the time. So we disagree about that.”