DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation Into Andrew Cuomo Over COVID Nursing Home Allegations
In a surprising twist to New York politics and federal legal drama, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a criminal investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The probe centers on allegations that Cuomo lied to Congress about key decisions he made during the COVID-19 pandemic — specifically regarding nursing home policies that resulted in thousands of deaths. This development, confirmed by sources familiar with the investigation, adds a fresh layer of complexity to Cuomo’s ongoing bid for New York City mayor.
Why Now? Timing Raises Eyebrows
The investigation reportedly began about a month ago, according to The New York Times, coinciding with the DOJ’s unusual move to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This parallel action — ending a case against Adams while opening a new case into his political rival Cuomo — has political watchers buzzing.
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Cuomo: Running in the Democratic primary for NYC mayor.
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Adams: Seeking re-election as an independent candidate.
This legal back-and-forth looks more like a chess match than straightforward justice, raising questions about potential political motivations behind the DOJ’s decisions.
Cuomo’s Camp Pushes Back: "Lawfare and Election Interference"
Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, fired back at the allegations in a statement to Fox News, calling the timing of the leak and investigation “lawfare and election interference plain and simple.” Azzopardi insisted that Cuomo testified truthfully to Congress about events that occurred four years ago and that the entire investigation has been a politically motivated attack.
“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,” he said.
The statement frames the investigation as part of a larger political battle rather than a purely legal inquiry, adding fuel to an already fiery public debate.
The Core of the Allegations: Nursing Home Deaths and False Testimony
The heart of the DOJ’s investigation lies in Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes during the early days of the pandemic. In March 2020, Cuomo issued a controversial directive that required nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients discharged from hospitals. The stated goal was to free up hospital beds amid surging COVID cases, but critics say the policy accelerated deadly outbreaks within these vulnerable populations.
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Over 9,000 recovering COVID-19 patients were moved from hospitals into nursing homes.
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The policy was later rescinded amid concerns it fueled infections.
Cuomo’s critics and several lawsuits allege that his administration intentionally underreported the number of COVID-related nursing home deaths in New York State. A 2022 report from the New York State Comptroller backed this up, finding that the Health Department understated nursing home deaths by as much as 50% during key periods of the pandemic.
Republican Lawmakers Demand Justice
Last year, Republican members of the House Oversight Committee grilled Cuomo over his pandemic decisions, accusing him of lying to Congress during a subcommittee investigation. They argued his testimony was filled with "multiple criminally false statements," especially regarding the nursing home scandal.
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James Comer (R-Ky.), Chair of the House Oversight Committee, referred Cuomo to the DOJ for criminal prosecution.
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Comer called Cuomo “a man with a history of corruption and deceit” and accused him of a "calculated cover-up" designed to avoid responsibility for the tragic deaths.
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Former Rep. Brad Wenstrup, former chairman of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, also condemned Cuomo's testimony as criminally false.
In a recent letter to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Comer expressed frustration that the Biden DOJ appeared to ignore his referral, urging Bondi to review the matter and take action.
The Legal Stakes: Lying to Congress Is a Federal Crime
Lying under oath to Congress is no small matter—it’s a serious federal offense that carries the possibility of criminal charges and penalties. The House Oversight Committee has made it clear that they intend to fully cooperate with the DOJ investigation and push for accountability.
Cuomo’s legal troubles could have major implications for his political future, especially as he campaigns to be New York City’s next mayor. If the DOJ pursues charges, the case could drag on through the election season, potentially reshaping the Democratic primary.
Cuomo’s Defense: Following CDC Guidance
In his defense, Cuomo has maintained that his March 2020 directive was based on then-current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). He argues that the directive was an emergency measure aimed at managing an unprecedented crisis and that any resulting tragedies were unintentional.
Nonetheless, many view this defense as insufficient given the mounting evidence of underreporting and the devastating outcomes in nursing homes.
What This Means for NYC Politics
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The DOJ investigation adds new drama to the NYC mayoral race, pitting Cuomo directly against Adams.
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Adams, meanwhile, recently saw corruption charges against him dismissed by the DOJ—a move that some see as politically convenient.
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The unfolding saga has brought national attention back to New York politics, spotlighting questions about corruption, accountability, and pandemic-era decision-making.
A Look Back: The Pandemic's Deadly Toll in Nursing Homes
The nursing home crisis remains one of the darkest chapters of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York. Thousands of elderly and vulnerable residents lost their lives, and many families continue to seek answers and justice.
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Plaintiffs in ongoing lawsuits argue that Cuomo and his administration are civilly liable for the deaths and the misleading reports about the true scope of the tragedy.
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The investigation also revisits the ethical and leadership failures that may have exacerbated the crisis.
Why This Case Matters: Key Takeaways
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Transparency and accountability in government actions during crises are critical.
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The case highlights the political risks of pandemic decision-making.
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The legal battle could set a precedent for how officials are held responsible for public health disasters.
Looking Ahead
With the DOJ investigation officially underway, all eyes are on New York. Will Cuomo’s political career survive the mounting legal pressure? How will this affect the mayoral race and the city’s future leadership? And what will the ultimate legal consequences be if the DOJ decides to press charges?
The answers remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: this story is far from over, and the fallout from the pandemic is still very much shaping American politics.
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