Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, currently leading the Democratic field in the New York City mayor race, according to The New York Times. The probe centers on whether Cuomo misled Congress about his administration’s handling of nursing home deaths during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Washington launched the inquiry following a referral from House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) Comer alleged that Cuomo made false statements during a congressional hearing about a separate state report that significantly undercounted coronavirus-related deaths in long-term care facilities, by as much as 50%, according to the New York Attorney General.
What triggered the investigation?
The investigation follows allegations that Cuomo played a role in downplaying nursing home fatality figures. In March 2020, his administration issued a directive requiring nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients discharged from hospitals. Cuomo has maintained that the policy followed federal guidance and was consistent with actions taken by other states.
Critics say the directive contributed to deadly outbreaks in vulnerable populations. Voices for Seniors, an advocacy group formed in response to the crisis, welcomed the investigation. It called the probe overdue and necessary for accountability.
How does this relate to the mayoral race?
The investigation comes just months after the Trump administration dropped a corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams, Cuomo’s chief rival in the June 24 mayoral primary. The administration argued that continuing the case would interfere with Adams’ ability to support federal immigration enforcement. Adams, who is running as an independent, had faced bribery and wire fraud charges ultimately dismissed by the court.
The dual decisions, to dismiss Adams’ case and pursue Cuomo’s, have raised questions about political interference at the Justice Department under President Donald Trump. Cuomo’s team described the investigation as politically motivated, calling it “lawfare” and “election interference.”
What has Cuomo said in response?
Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing. His spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, said the former governor testified truthfully to the best of his memory and offered to answer follow-up questions from lawmakers.
“From the beginning, this was all transparently political,” Azzopardi said.
Cuomo has frequently criticized Trump on the campaign trail, calling him “a bully.” His supporters argue the investigation is part of a pattern of targeting political opponents. Federal officials have not confirmed or denied the existence of the probe.
What are the broader implications?
This is not the first time the Justice Department has scrutinized Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes. During Trump’s first term, the department launched a separate probe into COVID-era nursing home deaths in New York and other Democratic-led states. An inspector general later found that department officials leaked details of that investigation to the press days before the 2020 election, violating agency policy.
Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 amid unrelated allegations of sexual misconduct.
