This was unexpected.
President Trump thanks Chris Cuomo for his “comfort call,” showing surprising restraint despite years of bitter political feuds.
In a moment that caught many off guard, President Donald Trump expressed appreciation for the Cuomo family — yes, the same Cuomo family he’s clashed with for years.
During a live NewsNation interview Wednesday night, Chris Cuomo brought up the personal phone call he made to Trump after the failed assassination attempt last year in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“I do remember your call. I appreciate it. And I actually appreciate your family — I’ve known them a long time,” Trump said.
Trump Shows Statesmanship Amid Cuomo Scandals
While President Trump struck a gracious tone, the moment came just as congressional Republicans are demanding a federal investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s alleged cover-up of thousands of COVID-19 nursing home deaths — many involving vulnerable seniors.
Andrew Cuomo infamously forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, a policy Trump and his supporters have long condemned as deadly and reckless.
Chris Cuomo’s Call Sparks Backlash From the Left
Chris Cuomo admitted that some on the left criticized him for calling Trump during the national tragedy.
“There was a lot of heat that came my way — as if I shouldn’t have called you,” Cuomo told the president. “Every president considered great was seen as a unifier.”
President Trump responded with classic confidence:
“I think I will be a great unifier.”
Years of Trump vs. Cuomo Feuds Revisited
This unexpected civility follows years of heated exchanges between Trump and both Cuomo brothers.
- Trump frequently called Chris Cuomo “Fredo,” mocking his media bias and low ratings.
- In 2020, Andrew Cuomo threatened Trump by saying, “He better have an army if he wants to walk in New York.”
- Trump responded on Twitter: “New York was lost to looters, thugs, Radical Left… Fredo’s ratings are down 50%!”
The former president also lambasted Andrew Cuomo’s COVID record, tweeting:
“11,000 nursing home deaths. The worst record on China Virus.”
Andrew Cuomo’s Comeback Raises Eyebrows
Despite resigning in disgrace over sexual misconduct allegations, Andrew Cuomo is attempting a political comeback. A recent Siena College poll shows him leading the Democrat primary in New York City’s mayoral race with 34%.
Embattled Mayor Eric Adams — facing a federal corruption probe — recently dropped out of the primary and is now running as an independent.
Conservatives Remain Skeptical
While President Trump’s tone has shifted slightly, many conservatives remain wary. The Cuomo brothers spent years attacking the Trump administration, mismanaging a major state, and pushing lockdowns that devastated families and businesses.
Now, with a possible Cuomo return to power in New York City, questions about accountability and leadership are back in the spotlight.