Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Wishing Trump A "Speedy Recovery," Cuomo Sends BBQ Chicken Wings, Bagels, And Cheesecake
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 2, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 2, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
If your 74-year-old, mildly obese friend, who happens to be the most powerful human being in the world, suddenly fell ill with the coronavirus, what would you put in their care package? On Friday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that as a gesture of goodwill, he was sending President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump a "New York Cares Package": bagels, a Junior's cheesecake, apple cider, "Upstate apples," and some chicken wings from Dinosaur BBQ.
"We can have political differences, and people know I have political differences with the President, and we're both New Yorkers so we're not shy about speaking our mind," Governor Cuomo said in a statement. "This situation creates a lot of anxiety. I've gone through this in my family, and I'm sure his children and family are worried. So on behalf of the family of New York, I wish them a speedy recovery and they're in our thoughts and prayers."
Referring to the batch of fried chicken legs drenched in spicy sweet sauce and 4.5 pound cake that is literally made of cheese, Cuomo said, "And we're going to be sending the President and First Lady a New York Cares package, just to give them some comfort as they go through this difficult period."
The CDC's website recommends that Americans experiencing the coronavirus eat "plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains," to boost the immune system.
"You might think about doing some things like eating more whole foods, thinking about fewer meat dishes, reducing your processed foods, and thinking about moving toward eating as many plants as you can," Dr. Elizabeth Cozine, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician, said in a video advising people on their diets while coping with COVID-19.
Governor Cuomo likely means well, even if his care package was seemingly put together by a bachelor with sweet classic cars and a cool, loose mood.
But no matzo ball soup? Or tea? Or stuff you eat when you're feeling sick and not stuff you find in an Atlantic City casino food court at 4 a.m.?
No Greek yogurt, the official New York State Snack, as designated by Governor Andrew Cuomo?
No non-sugary, organic matter?
If you're going to go through the trouble of sending someone chicken wings across state lines, why not BUFFALO WINGS?
And where are these "New York City bagels" from? (This matters.)
The governor's press office hasn't responded to our important questions in the matter.
Tagged
COVID-19
pandemic
donald trump
andrew cuomo
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Brooklyn woman hit and killed by garbage truck at peak time for traffic deaths, NYPD says
At a time of year when traffic deaths rise due to reduced visibility, 30-year-old Siobhan Lynch was struck and killed just after dusk.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 7:54 a.m. ET
NY's housing crisis is on the ballot. Here's what the candidates say they'll do about it.
Housing costs are top of mind for many voters across New York.
By
David Brand
News
NY's housing crisis is on the ballot. Here's what the candidates say they'll do about it.
Housing costs are top of mind for many voters across New York.
By
David Brand
Brooklyn's Ocean Parkway is a haven for reckless driving. Mamdani isn't allowed to fix it.
By
Stephen Nessen
Man killed in police-involved shooting in Moonachie, NJ
By
Kaya Laterman
Queens man took girlfriend’s body to beach in a wagon, where it remained for 5 days
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .