In a new memoir, a former aide to ex-New York governor Andrew Cuomo revealed that Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump‘s son-in-law, commended Florida’s COVID-19 approach during the peak of the pandemic.
The aide, Melissa DeRosa, recalled an April 2020 conversation with Kushner in her upcoming book, “What's Left Unsaid,” The Guardian reported.
As New York wrestled with increasing COVID-19 casualties, Kushner compared the state’s situation to Florida’s, which remained open despite the pandemic. He noted Florida’s lower death rates, despite the lack of shutdowns.
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DeRosa describes Kushner’s tone during the call as “smug.” According to her, he emphasized that many “friends” had relocated to Florida due to its openness and pointed out that the state’s death rate was significantly lower than New York’s, even without shutdowns.
"Shots fired," DeRosa writes.
DeRosa’s book also recounts friction between Cuomo and the White House during the public health crisis. Kushner reportedly told her that public opinion was against the lockdowns, not just in New York, but also in pivotal states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Florida.
The memoir, seen by many as a loyal account of her time working for Cuomo, is set to be published in the U.S. on Tuesday. DeRosa resigned in August 2021, following allegations of sexual harassment against Cuomo.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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