US Department of Justice investigates former New York Gov. Cuomo

over his comments on COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, began a criminal investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over his statements about the state’s handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes.

This probe follows a referral from Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Comer alleged that Cuomo lied during his testimony to Congress, regarding the March 2020 directive that required nursing homes to accept recovering COVID-19 patients.

Critics argue that this policy contributed to the spread of the virus among vulnerable populations.

The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., reportedly began about a month ago.

It centers on Cuomo’s testimony during a June 2024 interview with the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

In that interview, Cuomo denied involvement in drafting or reviewing a July 2020 New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) report.

The report allegedly undercounted nursing home fatalities by 46%.

However, evidence, including emails and handwritten edits, suggests that Cuomo participated in editing the report.

The report, which blamed nursing home staff for the excess deaths, has been criticized for its alleged inaccuracies.

Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, has denied any wrongdoing and characterized the investigation as politically motivated.

He emphasized that Cuomo was never informed of any such investigation and questioned the timing, suggesting it was intended to influence the upcoming New York City mayoral election.

Cuomo is currently a leading Democratic candidate in the race.

The DOJ has not publicly commented on the investigation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The timing of the investigation, coinciding with Cuomo’s mayoral campaign, has raised concerns about potential political interference.

The controversy surrounding Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic has been ongoing.

In January 2021, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a report indicating that the NYSDOH had undercounted nursing home deaths by as much as 50%.

The report also revealed that many nursing home residents died from COVID-19 in hospitals after being transferred from their nursing homes.

According to James, this was not reflected in the DOH’s published total nursing home death data.

In February 2021, a recording surfaced in which Cuomo’s top aide, Melissa DeRosa, admitted that the administration had withheld nursing home death data from state legislators.

This was reportedly out of concern that the Trump administration would use the information against them.

This admission led to calls for further investigations into Cuomo’s actions.

The current investigation adds to the scrutiny Cuomo faces as he campaigns for mayor.

Critics argue that the investigation is an attempt to discredit him politically.

Supporters of the probe contend that it is necessary to ensure accountability for actions taken during the pandemic.

The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for Cuomo’s political future and for public trust in government responses to public health crises.

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