An investigation involving former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is once again casting a shadow over the state’s political landscape.

Federal authorities have reportedly opened a criminal probe into Cuomo for allegedly providing false testimony to Congress regarding the number of COVID-19 deaths in New York’s nursing homes. According to the New York Post, the Department of Justice’s investigation centers on whether Cuomo misled lawmakers about the state’s handling of pandemic fatalities among nursing home residents.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. began an inquiry last month into claims that Andrew Cuomo underreported nursing home deaths by up to 46%. The leadership of the office recently shifted from Ed Martin to Jeanine Pirro, a longtime critic of Cuomo. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, has urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue criminal charges, accusing Cuomo of making false statements during a June 2024 Congressional interview.

House Oversight Intensifies Pressure

Cuomo, a Democrat and current front-runner in the New York City mayoral race, has denied any wrongdoing in his handling of the crisis. During his testimony, he insisted he did not draft, review, or consult on the controversial state Department of Health report that critics say significantly downplayed pandemic-related deaths in nursing homes. However, emails and documents obtained by Congressional investigators suggest Cuomo’s office was actively involved, with evidence including his handwritten edits on draft versions of the report.

The dispute centers largely on a directive issued on March 25, 2020, which required nursing homes to admit recovering COVID-19 patients without mandatory testing. Critics say this order led to thousands of preventable deaths and accuse Cuomo of orchestrating a cover-up by omitting hospital deaths from the final tally. The order was rescinded by May 10, but by then, significant damage had been done, and subsequent audits allegedly failed to fully capture the extent of the tragedy.

Families of victims and advocacy groups have long demanded accountability. Vivian Zayas, co-founder of Voices for Seniors, whose mother died of COVID-19 in a nursing home, described the DOJ probe as “overdue.” Another advocate, Daniel Arbeeny, whose father also died from the virus, supports the investigation, stating, “Cuomo should be held accountable. It’s that simple.”

Cuomo’s Team Denounces Investigation

Despite mounting scrutiny, Cuomo and his representatives have dismissed the probe as politically motivated. His spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, claimed ignorance of any investigation and characterized the leak as “lawfare and election interference.” He argued that Cuomo’s testimony was truthful and that the process has always been “transparently political.”

Azzopardi responded directly to media inquiries, saying, “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 continued, “Governor Cuomo testified truthfully to the best of his recollection about events from four years earlier, and he offered to address any follow-up questions from the Subcommittee — but from the beginning this was all transparently political.”

Cuomo has also defended his pandemic response in recent public appearances, asserting that New York “followed federal guidance” throughout the crisis and dismissing allegations of undercounting as “so untrue” and motivated by politics.

Heated Debate Among Political Rivals

Political opponents have seized on the investigation to question Cuomo’s fitness for office. Jeanine Pirro, the newly appointed lead on the DOJ probe and a former Fox News host, has previously accused Cuomo of handing seniors “a death sentence” with his nursing home policy and argued that prosecutors should consider charges as serious as manslaughter or negligent homicide.

Meanwhile, progressive politicians and other candidates in the New York City mayoral race have added their voices to the controversy. Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, running second to Cuomo, described the former governor’s career as “defined by corruption and deceit,” while city Comptroller Brad Lander warned that “New Yorkers can’t afford four more years of a compromised Mayor.” Brooklyn Sen. Zellnor Myrie echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for change in city leadership.

What Advocates and Critics Want Next

The Department of Justice has not commented publicly on the ongoing investigation, but the case continues to generate significant attention across New York and beyond. As Cuomo’s opponents intensify their calls for accountability, his supporters decry the timing and motives behind the probe.

The outcome of the DOJ investigation could have far-reaching implications, not only for Cuomo’s political future but also for the broader debate on government transparency and accountability during public health emergencies. As New York City’s mayoral race heats up, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Cuomo’s pandemic-era decisions and the truthfulness of his testimony.

Why This Story Matters

This investigation touches on vital issues of truth, leadership, and the weight of public responsibility. It also brings to light long-standing concerns from underrepresented communities devastated by the pandemic. Most importantly, it asks whether we are willing to look honestly at our nation's response to COVID-19—and hold even the most powerful accountable.

Final Thoughts on Cuomo's Inquiry and Fallout

The Department of Justice is reviewing serious accusations that Andrew Cuomo misled Congress about a critical COVID-19 report that excluded thousands of nursing home deaths. New correspondence and handwritten documents show direct involvement in shaping the controversial audit. Families of the deceased have welcomed the probe as long overdue. Critics say Cuomo altered data to minimize fallout from a policy that sent COVID-19-positive patients into vulnerable environments. While he maintains his innocence, several political candidates have called for transparency.