Former Governor Andrew Cuomo attempted to “inappropriately influence” a top aide’s testimony during a congressional investigation into his administration’s controversial mandate that forced COVID-19 patients into nursing homes, according to a bombshell new House document.
The claim was made by witness Jim Malatras, who said the 66-year-old former governor made him “uncomfortable” by calling and texting him as the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic investigated the March 25, 2020, “must admit” order for nursing homes.
These allegations surfaced in a staff memo.
The House COVID panel initially revealed in a memo that Cuomo reached out to Malatras to “check in” at least once during the investigation.
However, in an addendum to that memo, new evidence showed that Cuomo contacted Malatras three times since early 2021, always within 48 hours of the subcommittee taking action in its nursing home investigation.
One such action was known only to Cuomo and his counsel.
The memo asserts that these actions suggest an attempt by Cuomo to improperly influence Malatras’ testimony and obstruct the investigation.
In response to these allegations, Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi dismissed the claims, calling the subcommittee a “MAGA clown committee.”
He insisted that Cuomo and Malatras did not speak until after Malatras’ testimony, which he characterized as appropriate and lawful communication.
Malatras, a former director of state operations and chancellor of the State University of New York, had previously confirmed that Cuomo had edited a New York Department of Health report that minimized the true nursing home death count due to the mandate.
Malatras resigned in December 2021 after facing backlash for smearing a woman who accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct.
He had not heard from Cuomo until one day after the House subcommittee held its first hearing on the New York nursing home mandate.
Cuomo reached out to Malatras again in May 2023, apologizing for the “pain” he caused Malatras.
Later, in February 2024, after the subcommittee invited Malatras to testify, Cuomo contacted him again.
In a follow-up letter, Malatras described Cuomo’s message as a signal that he was aware of the testimony request.
Cuomo also called Malatras in July 2024, discussing the nursing home mandate in what Malatras perceived as an attempt to influence his testimony.
These interactions have led the subcommittee to further scrutinize Cuomo’s involvement in the investigation.
The subcommittee also accused Cuomo’s lawyer, Rita Glavin, of threatening two committee attorneys with disbarment, which they viewed as an intimidation tactic.
Despite denials from Cuomo and his legal team, evidence continues to emerge that could challenge Cuomo’s previous statements about his involvement in the nursing home order and report.
The subcommittee has subpoenaed additional records from New York Governor Kathy Hochul to further its investigation.
1 Comment
This is how gangsters operate. Hochul is no different.