Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor, is back in the headlines—and not in a good way. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially opened a criminal investigation into Cuomo’s testimony before Congress regarding how his administration handled COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. The political heavyweight, now eyeing a comeback as New York City’s mayor, is under serious federal scrutiny just as campaign season heats up.
Andrew Cuomo Under Fire Again
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject of Probe | Allegedly false testimony to Congress regarding COVID-19 nursing home deaths |
| Federal Agency | U.S. Department of Justice |
| Origin of Complaint | Criminal referral from Rep. James Comer, House Oversight Chair |
| Main Accusation | Cuomo allegedly edited a 2020 NY Health Department report that undercounted nursing home deaths by 46% |
| Cuomo’s Response | Denies wrongdoing; calls probe “political lawfare” |
| Political Context | Cuomo running for NYC Mayor in 2025 |
| DOJ Comment | DOJ declined to comment on active investigation |
Andrew Cuomo’s political comeback is now on shaky ground as federal investigators dig into his past. Whether it’s a real pursuit of justice or a politically motivated takedown, one thing’s clear: the 2025 New York City mayoral race just got a whole lot messier.
Voters deserve leaders who speak truthfully—especially when lives are at stake. This investigation could be a litmus test for how much the public values accountability over charisma.
Why Is Cuomo Being Investigated?
The core of the investigation focuses on whether Andrew Cuomo lied under oath during his testimony to Congress in June 2024. Specifically, it’s about a 2020 report by the New York State Department of Health that allegedly undercounted COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes by nearly 50%.
Cuomo told Congress he had no role in shaping that report. But according to a recent Republican-led House subcommittee finding, Cuomo and his top aides were involved in editing and possibly suppressing accurate data to make his administration look better during the early pandemic days.
And that’s not just a PR blunder—lying to Congress is a federal crime.
The Nursing Home Controversy, Explained
Let’s rewind to March 2020. Amid the chaos of the early pandemic, Cuomo’s administration issued a directive that required nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients discharged from hospitals. The policy was meant to free up hospital beds—but critics say it led to a deadly spike in nursing home fatalities.
Later, in July 2020, the state released a report claiming that the policy didn’t contribute significantly to deaths. However, that report allegedly excluded deaths of nursing home residents who died in hospitals, cutting the official count by around 46%.
That’s the smoking gun the House Oversight Committee seized on.
What Did Cuomo Say to Congress?
In his sworn testimony, Cuomo flat-out denied being involved in the July 2020 report. He said he only saw the report after it was published and claimed, “That was the Department of Health’s call.”
But emails obtained by investigators tell a different story. According to documents leaked to Politico, Cuomo and his senior aides were hands-on with edits—removing hospital death data and softening language around policy impacts.
That contradiction is what triggered the DOJ’s investigation.
Is This Just Political Payback?
Cuomo’s team sure thinks so. His longtime spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, blasted the investigation as “election interference” and “weaponized lawfare.” He said the former governor answered all questions truthfully and that “this is about politics, not justice.”
Cuomo himself has gone on offense, accusing Republicans of trying to bury his political comeback before it starts. In fact, the timing is worth noting: the investigation was publicly revealed just days after Cuomo formally launched his campaign to become Mayor of New York City in 2025.
Some supporters say this smells like a political hit job.
The Political Stakes Are Huge
Let’s not forget: Cuomo resigned in August 2021 under pressure from multiple sexual harassment allegations, though he denied them all. Since then, he’s largely stayed out of the spotlight—but now he’s back, trying to reclaim the limelight by running for mayor.
This federal investigation could derail that dream. Even if he’s never charged, the mere optics of a DOJ probe are damaging in the middle of a campaign. Cuomo’s critics will hammer him with it, and undecided voters may think twice.
Plus, the DOJ probe is reportedly being overseen by Jeanine Pirro, a longtime Cuomo adversary and conservative firebrand, which only adds fuel to the fire.
What Happens Next?
The investigation is in the early stages. The DOJ hasn’t filed charges yet, but subpoenas have reportedly gone out to former Cuomo aides and state health department officials.
Legal experts say if prosecutors find Cuomo “knowingly and willfully” made false statements under oath, he could face federal charges under 18 U.S. Code § 1001—punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
But proving perjury isn’t easy. Prosecutors would need to show beyond a reasonable doubt that Cuomo deliberately lied, not that he simply misspoke or forgot.
This could drag on for months—right into the heart of the NYC mayoral race.
Could Cuomo Still Win the Election?
Never say never. Despite his baggage, Cuomo still has name recognition, fundraising muscle, and a loyal base of support—especially among older voters who appreciated his steady hand during COVID’s darkest days.
But this scandal could splinter his support. New Yorkers are already wary of politicians tainted by controversy, and Cuomo’s opponents will surely use the nursing home scandal as campaign ammo.
In short: He’s not out—but he’s got a serious uphill climb.
What This Means for New Yorkers
This case is about more than just Cuomo. It’s a wake-up call about transparency, accountability, and leadership during crises. How government officials report data—especially in life-and-death situations—matters deeply.
The investigation also raises questions about political timing and the weaponization of justice. Are the feds just doing their job, or are they playing politics? Either way, the public deserves honest answers.
Trump’s Tariffs Just Got Real—Here’s How They’ll Sneak Into Your Shopping Cart
Trump’s Capitol Hill Showdown: GOP Must Pick a Side on His ‘Big, Beautiful’ Vision
Trump Wins Big: Supreme Court Backs His Move to Strip Protections from Venezuelans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly is Andrew Cuomo accused of?
He’s under federal investigation for allegedly making false statements to Congress about his role in a 2020 report that downplayed COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.
Q2: Is he being charged yet?
No. As of now, the DOJ has opened an investigation but hasn’t filed formal charges.
Q3: What’s the penalty if found guilty?
If convicted of lying to Congress, Cuomo could face up to 5 years in prison under federal law.
Q4: What does this mean for his mayoral run?
The investigation could damage his credibility and campaign momentum, though he’s still officially in the race.
Q5: Who referred Cuomo to the DOJ?
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, a Republican, submitted a criminal referral after a subcommittee investigation.
Q6: Where can I find the official DOJ statement?
The DOJ has not publicly commented, but you can check updates at justice.gov.
