In a move that has drawn widespread support from conservatives, the Justice Department is investigating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, currently running for New York City mayor, for lying about his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw positive patients housed in nursing homes.
For context, the suit was filed in response to a referral from congressional Republicans, who had unsuccessfully attempted to do so under the Biden administration. According to the 2020 report, which forms the basis of this suit, Cuomo underreported nursing home deaths by nearly 50%.
In a letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, congressional Republicans outlined the criminal case against Cuomo. The letter explained, “On June 11, 2024, the Select Subcommittee conducted a transcribed interview with the former Governor of the State of New York, Andrew M. Cuomo, who was accompanied by counsel. During the transcribed interview, the Select Subcommittee believes that Mr. Cuomo made false statements about his involvement in and knowledge of the drafting of the July 6 Report.”
Continuing the damning indictment, the letter noted, “Accordingly, the Select Subcommittee attaches to this letter a detailed referral for criminal charges against Mr. Cuomo pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1001. As explained in the attached referral, Mr. Cuomo made multiple criminally false statements, including that he was neither involved in the drafting nor the review of the July 6 Report. Documents establish that statement to be false.”
Concluding the document, the letter outlined Cuomo’s additional alleged crimes. The letter stated, “Mr. Cuomo also testified that he did not have any discussions about the July 6 Report being peer reviewed. Documents show that statement to be false. And Mr. Cuomo testified that he did not know whether the July 6 Report was reviewed by persons outside of the NYSDOH. Documents again demonstrate that statement to be false.”
After the DOJ announced that it would proceed with the investigation based on the recommendations in this letter, Rep. Elise Stefrank (R-NY) issued a statement criticizing the former Governor. She declared, “The Department of Justice investigation of disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo for his fatal nursing home executive order, cover-up, and lies to Congress is a much-needed step toward justice for the more than 15,000 New York seniors who lost their lives. This is also incredibly important for the families who have advocated tirelessly on behalf of their loved ones.”
Building out her case, the Republcian noted, “The bombshell revelations of Cuomo’s administration intentionally withholding nursing home death data, as admitted by his senior aides, and his refusal to accept responsibility for the deadly March 25, 2020, directive that forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, represent a betrayal of public trust at the highest levels,” adding, “His attempts to stonewall Congress and peddle lies to cover up this tragedy only deepen the pain of New Yorkers who deserve transparency and justice.”
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Reacting to the investigation in a hysterical tone, Rich Azzopardi, a spokesperson for the Democratic former governor, frantically deflected blame. Azzopardi claimed, “We have never been informed of any such matter, so why would someone leak it now? The answer is obvious: This is lawfare and election interference plain and simple—something President Trump and his top Department of Justice officials say they are against.”
Reacting to the initial announcement, Derek Evans, who is currently running for Congress in West Virginia, quipped, “DOJ has launched a criminal probe into Andrew Cuomo over his testimony on his COVID response. Cuomo reportedly perjured himself MULTIPLE TIMES & HID RECORDS from the committee.”