Democratic Debates Erupt as Cuomo Faces Accusations of Lying to Congress Over COVID Nursing Home Scandal

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced severe criticism from his Democratic rivals during Wednesday night's heated mayoral debate, as accusations intensified over his alleged dishonesty to Congress concerning the handling of COVID-19 nursing home deaths. The controversy, fueled by ongoing federal investigations, has cast a shadow over Cuomo’s campaign for New York City mayor, with opponents seizing the moment to question his integrity and leadership.

Throughout the debate, Cuomo repeatedly dodged direct questions regarding his involvement in crafting a contentious New York State Department of Health report. The report, officials say, significantly undercounted nursing home fatalities during the pandemic's peak. Instead of directly addressing these concerns, Cuomo dismissed the investigation as nothing more than "partisan politics," insisting, "the report in question did not undercount the deaths." His evasiveness drew scorn from his fellow candidates, particularly former Assemblyman Michael Blake, who accused Cuomo of avoiding the truth and failing grieving families seeking accountability.

Amid mounting pressure, a debate moderator pressed Cuomo for a clear answer: Had he participated in producing the disputed report? Though Cuomo maintained, "No, I told Congress the truth. No, we did not undercount any deaths," he continued to sidestep the specific question about his role in the report's creation, prompting laughter and frustration among his opponents. City Comptroller Brad Lander was even more direct, alleging, "It's not only that Andrew Cuomo lied to Congress – which is perjury – he also lied to the grieving families whose loved ones he sent into those nursing homes to protect his $5 million book deal. That's corruption."

The controversy stems from a March 2020 directive issued by Cuomo, which prevented nursing homes from refusing patients who had tested positive for COVID-19. Designed to relieve overcrowded hospitals, the policy led to more than 9,000 patients being transferred to care facilities. Critics argue this move accelerated deadly outbreaks in vulnerable populations, fueling suspicions of mismanagement and a subsequent cover-up.

Subsequent investigations have compounded scrutiny. A 2022 report from the New York State Comptroller found the Health Department under Cuomo's leadership "was not transparent in its reporting of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes" and understated deaths by as much as 50 percent at the height of the pandemic. Similarly, an earlier review released by New York Attorney General Letitia James cited significant underreporting of nursing home fatalities, raising questions about the administration's data practices and public communications.

Now with the Department of Justice conducting a criminal probe into whether Cuomo lied to Congress about his decision-making during the COVID-19 crisis, the political fallout continues to escalate. The issue remains a flashpoint in the mayoral campaign, threatening to undermine Cuomo's bid for one of the city's highest offices and further polarizing the city’s political landscape.