The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a criminal investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, focusing on allegations that he provided false testimony to Congress regarding COVID-19-related deaths in nursing homes. This development coincides with Cuomo’s active campaign for New York City mayor.
The probe centers on Cuomo’s 2024 testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, where he denied involvement in drafting a 2020 state report that significantly undercounted nursing home fatalities. Evidence, including emails and handwritten notes, suggests Cuomo was directly engaged in editing the report.
The investigation was initiated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., during Ed Martin’s interim tenure and is now overseen by Jeanine Pirro. Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, has dismissed the probe as politically motivated, asserting that Cuomo testified truthfully to the best of his recollection.
This inquiry follows a renewed criminal referral from House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), who accused Cuomo of making “criminally false statements” to Congress. The referral is based on findings that Cuomo’s administration underreported nursing home deaths by 46% and that he was involved in editing the report to downplay the impact of his policies.
Cuomo’s March 2020 directive mandated that nursing homes accept patients regardless of COVID-19 status, a policy later rescinded after widespread criticism and a significant number of deaths among elderly residents.
Despite the investigation, Cuomo remains a leading candidate in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, positioning himself as a seasoned leader capable of addressing the city’s challenges. His campaign has faced protests from families of nursing home victims, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding his pandemic response.
