NEW YORK--
Governor Andrew Cuomo is causing a stir. Both politicians and American citizens are reacting, and many are not happy about it.
While Cuomo was signing legislation in New York City, he criticized President Trump and his slogan.
Governor Andrew Cuomo: "Look the simple point is...all of this comes down to this. We're not going to make America great again. It was never that great. We have not reached greatness. We will reach greatness when every American is fully engaged."
Cuomo is seeking a third term this fall and is considered a potential presidential contender in 2020.
President Trump fired back at Cuomo on Twitter saying: "'WE'RE NOT GOING TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. IT WAS NEVER THAT GREAT.' Can you believe this is the governor of the highest taxed state, in the U.S., Andrew Cuomo, having a total meltdown."
Governor Cuomo responded: "What you say would be 'great again' would not be great at all...we will not go back to discrimination, segregation, sexism, isolationism, racism, or the KKK. Like NY's motto says: Excelsior--Ever Upward (not backward)."
Local politicians are reacting to the governor's statement:
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro & Republican Candidate for Governor: "America with all of its imperfections has always been great, for 242 years. Its principles, its promise, its potential has always been great and we continue on this march to continue to make and re-make America every day. The Governor knows that, should know that, and should apologize for what he had to say. America has always been great."
Senator Joseph Griffo: "The Governor's comments regarding our nationa were unfortunate, disappointing, and absurd. I understand that we are in the heat of political season. However, despite his own personal opinion, political differences, and future aspirations, the Governor's words, whether taken out of context or not, were not the appropriate way to describe this country."
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente: "Governor Cuomo's statement is disappointing, sad, and wrong. He owes this state and nation an apology. America is, has always been, and by the grace of God always will be great and exceptional."
We will continue to follow this story and we have reached out to other local politicians for their responses. We will publish those as soon as we receive them.