Overview
- Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive running for governor, met President Trump for about 90 minutes Tuesday at the White House to discuss New York policy.
- Blakeman said Trump is very supportive of his bid, and he confirmed a separate huddle with the White House political team that he expects will aid his campaign.
- He said his campaign paid for the trip and cited talks on economic development, energy, taxes, crime, and cooperation with federal immigration agents, adding he would sue if the state restricts that cooperation.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul criticized the visit as Blakeman getting “marching orders” from Trump, a charge he dismissed while stressing the value of a close working relationship with the president.
- Blakeman faces headwinds that include a double-digit polling gap and nearly a $20 million fundraising deficit, and he is suing the state Public Campaign Finance Board after losing access to public matching funds.