President Donald Trump pressed New York's governor to end the state's lawsuits against him ahead of their meeting -- and many saw that as more than just a request.
The Trump administration moved to block New York residents from the expedited Global Entry process at the border, and the president called for the state to drop its investigations of his businesses before meeting with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to discuss the travel policy.
"I’m seeing Governor Cuomo today at The White House," Trump tweeted. "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!"
Former ethics czar Walter Shaub called out the tweet as another example of the president abusing the power of his office.
"Holy cow! He appears to be engaging in another quid pro quo right before our eyes," tweeted Shaub, the former director of the Office of Government Ethics. "I don't know what to say but HOLY COW! NY must drop its lawsuits against him if New Yorkers want Global Entry status? HOLY COW!!! HOLY COW!!!"
Shaub wasn't the only one who saw it that way.
