President Donald Trump: Jared Kushner has "actually become much more famous than me" https://t.co/01pFlnwCEc
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) June 6, 2017
President Trump on Tuesday joked that his son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, has “become more famous than me” — a line he used on James Comey months before he fired him as FBI director.
Trump made the remark while greeting Republican congressional leaders and White House staff before a meeting on his legislative agenda.
"Jared has actually become much more famous than me — I'm a little upset at that," Trump said, prompting the room to erupt in laughter.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) turned to Kushner and said, “That’s a badge of honor.” Kushner smiled but did not respond, according to a reporter in the room.
The last time Trump used the line, it didn’t end well for the person on the receiving end.
During a reception for law enforcement officials two days after his inauguration, Trump singled out Comey, saying, “He’s become more famous than me,” before calling him over for a handshake and hug.
The exchange made Comey uncomfortable because he was wary of the appearance of having too close a relationship with the president, according to his friend Benjamin Wittes.
Wittes told The New York Times that Comey, who was wearing a blue suit, stood next to blue curtains in the hope that Trump wouldn’t notice him.