Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Andrew Cuomo
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Andrew Cuomo.
Andrew Cuomo, an American politician and lawyer, served as the 56th Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021. A Democrat and son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, he was previously the New York Attorney General (2007-2010). His tenure as governor ended with his resignation in 2021. He is currently running for mayor of New York City.
2 days ago : DOJ Investigates Cuomo Over Nursing Home Deaths; Mamdani Enters Mayoral Race.
The Justice Department launched an inquiry into Andrew Cuomo regarding testimony on New York nursing home deaths. Separately, Zohran Mamdani is making waves by crashing into the mayoral race.
1998: Testimony by Susan Gaffney
In 1998, Susan Gaffney testified about attacks on her office by Cuomo and aides, including charges of racism, insubordination, malfeasance, and dirty-dealing.
August 1999: Community Builders Letter Distribution
In August 1999, Community Builders, a program championed by Andrew Cuomo, distributed a letter to community groups to fight against proposed tax cuts.
1999: Inspector General's Report on Community Builders
In 1999, the Inspector General's office concluded that "most (15 out of 19) Community Builders' goals were activities rather than actual accomplishments" and that Cuomo's initiatives "had a crippling effect on many of HUD's ongoing operations".
2000: Karen Hinton Alleges Inappropriate Behavior
In 2000, Karen Hinton alleged that Cuomo asked personal questions and inappropriately hugged her in his hotel room.
May 2001: Gaffney's Retirement and Settlement
In May 2001, Susan Gaffney retired shortly after HUD reached a $490,000 settlement with a black employee who accused her of racial discrimination.
2002: Failed Gubernatorial Campaign
In 2002, Andrew Cuomo ran for the Democratic nomination for the New York governor seat and his campaign took serious damage after a gaffe about the September 11 attacks.
2007: Subprime Mortgage Crisis
Some believe that during Cuomo's tenure as HUD Secretary his pushing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy more home loans issued to poor homeowners in an attempt to end discrimination against minorities helped lead to the 2007–2010 subprime mortgage crisis.
2008: "Shuck and Jive" Controversy
In 2008, Andrew Cuomo used the phrase "shuck and jive" in reference to Barack Obama, receiving criticism for the potentially racially insensitive language.
2010: Subprime Mortgage Crisis
Some believe that during Cuomo's tenure as HUD Secretary his pushing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy more home loans issued to poor homeowners in an attempt to end discrimination against minorities helped lead to the 2007–2010 subprime mortgage crisis.
January 15, 2013: Cuomo signs the NY SAFE Act into law
On January 15, 2013, Cuomo signed the NY SAFE Act, the first state gun control bill passed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The act, considered the toughest in the US, faced criticism from groups like the NRA.
May 2014: New York State Democratic Committee responds to Rob Astorino
In May 2014, the New York State Democratic Committee, led by Cuomo, responded to a speech by Rob Astorino, criticizing "Tea Party Republicans."
July 2014: Moreland Commission Investigations Directed Away From Politically Damaging Investigations
In July 2014, it was reported that the Moreland Commission, established by Cuomo to root out corruption in politics, was directed away from investigations that could be politically damaging. Cuomo later disbanded the commission.
2014: Cuomo involved in formation of Independent Democratic Conference (IDC)
In 2014, it was reported that Cuomo had been actively involved in the formation of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) three years earlier, which gave control of the state senate to Republicans.
July 2016: Report on Start-Up NY jobs program released
In July 2016, the Empire State Development Corporation released a report indicating that the Start-Up NY program had generated 408 jobs since 2014, while ads promoting the program had cost at least $53 million.
September 2016: Joseph Percoco Indicted in Bribery Investigation
In September 2016, Joseph Percoco, a close friend and former top aide to Cuomo, was indicted as part of a bribery investigation into the Buffalo Billion. Cuomo was not accused of wrongdoing.
May 2017: Sherry Vill alleges inappropriate kissing
In May 2017, Sherry Vill, a New York constituent whose flood-damaged house Cuomo had visited, alleged that Cuomo had inappropriately kissed her twice on her cheek during that visit.
June 2017: Cuomo declares state of emergency for NYC Subway
In June 2017, following a series of subway disasters, Cuomo declared a "state of emergency" for the New York City Subway system.
2017: Cuomo announces phaseout of Indian Point nuclear plant
In 2017, Cuomo announced the phaseout of the Indian Point nuclear plant, which generated a quarter of New York City's power. The lost carbon-free power was replaced by fossil fuels, potentially hindering New York's climate goals.
2017: Lindsey Boylan Claims Cuomo Goaded Her to Play Strip Poker
In 2017, Lindsey Boylan claimed that Cuomo goaded her to play strip poker with him while on a flight.
February 2018: Investigation reveals Cuomo collected donations from appointees
A February 2018 investigation by The New York Times revealed that the Cuomo administration had reinterpreted an executive order to allow Cuomo to collect $890,000 from his appointees.
March 2018: Cuomo rewrites disclaimer language on campaign website
In March 2018, The New York Times reported that Andrew Cuomo had rewritten the disclaimer language on his campaign website regarding donations from appointees, potentially allowing more donations.
March 2018: Joseph Percoco Convicted on Felony Charges
In March 2018, a federal jury convicted Joseph Percoco on felony charges of solicitation of bribes and honest services fraud for over $315,000 in bribes.
August 15, 2018: Cuomo says 'We're not gonna make America great again. It was never that great.'
On August 15, 2018, during an anti-sex trafficking bill-signing event, Andrew Cuomo stated, "We're not gonna make America great again. It was never that great. We have not reached greatness. We will reach greatness when every American is fully engaged," leading to boos from the audience.
September 2018: Joseph Percoco Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison
In September 2018, Judge Valerie Caproni sentenced Joseph Percoco to 6 years in prison.
January 22, 2019: Cuomo signs the Reproductive Health Act
On January 22, 2019, Cuomo signed the 2019 version of the Reproductive Health Act. In celebration, he ordered One World Trade Center and other landmarks to be lit in pink. The signing and the lighting of the World Trade Center building sparked intense criticism from conservatives.
September 2019: Anna Ruch Alleges Cuomo Touched Her Without Consent
In September 2019, Anna Ruch alleged Cuomo had sexually harassed her and touched her without consent on her bare lower back while posing for a photograph at a wedding reception.
March 2020: Positive COVID-19 Test of Chris Cuomo Amid Conflict of Interest
In March 2020, Cuomo's brother, Chris, tested positive for COVID-19, raising questions of conflict of interest.
March 2020: Nursing Home Policy
In March 2020, New York had a policy to admit Covid patients to nursing homes.
March 25, 2020: New York State Department of Health issued an advisory requiring the admission of patients to nursing homes who test positive for the coronavirus
On March 25, 2020, the New York State Department of Health issued an advisory requiring the admission of patients to nursing homes who test positive for the coronavirus.
March 28, 2020: Cuomo threatens Rhode Island with lawsuit over quarantine policy
On March 28, 2020, Andrew Cuomo threatened Rhode Island with a lawsuit over a state quarantine policy targeting arriving New Yorkers.
June 2020: COVID-19 Infected Patients Sent to Nursing Homes
By June 2020, as many as 4,500 COVID-19 infected patients had been sent to nursing homes in New York state which was said to have contributed to over 6,000 New York state nursing home residents dying of COVID-19.
July 2020: Report on Nursing Home Infections
In July 2020, the New York State Department of Health released a report that found that peak nursing home admissions occurred a week after peak nursing home mortality and concluded that asymptomatic nursing home staff drove the infections.
August 2020: Allegations of Cuomo utilizing state resources for book drafting
Between July and August 2020, allegations arose that Andrew Cuomo used state resources and government staffers to compile materials and work on drafting his book.
November 2020: Unnamed aide groping allegation
In November 2020, an unnamed aide alleged that Cuomo inappropriately touched her at the governor's mansion after being summoned. She claimed Cuomo rose from his desk, groped her, shut the door, and said "I don't care" after she told him it would get him in trouble. He then returned and groped one of her breasts over her bra by reaching under her blouse.
December 13, 2020: Lindsey Boylan Accuses Cuomo of Sexual Harassment
On December 13, 2020, Lindsey Boylan, a former aide for Cuomo, alleged that Cuomo sexually harassed her for years.
2020: Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Beginning in late 2020, Andrew Cuomo faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.
2020: Cuomo Asked Bennett About Her Sex Life
In late Spring 2020, Charlotte Bennett said that Cuomo asked her about her sex life on several occasions and if she had been in sexual relationships with older men.
January 28, 2021: Investigation Concludes Undercounting of COVID-19-Related Deaths
On January 28, 2021, an investigation conducted by state attorney general Letitia James concluded that the Cuomo administration undercounted COVID-19-related deaths at nursing homes by as much as 50%.
January 29, 2021: Cuomo distrusts health officials
On January 29, 2021, during a press conference, Cuomo stated that he did not trust the expertise of state health officials.
February 12, 2021: Cuomo Administration Delayed Release of COVID-19 Death Data
On February 12, 2021, Melissa DeRosa, a top aide to Cuomo, said that the Cuomo administration delayed the release of data pertaining to COVID-19 deaths from nursing home patients who died in hospitals while responding to an inquiry that former President Donald Trump had directed the Department of Justice to consider investigating.
February 2021: Lindsey Boylan Elaborates on Sexual Harassment Accusations
In February 2021, Lindsey Boylan further elaborated on her accusations, claiming Cuomo goaded her to play strip poker with him and forcibly kissed her on the mouth.
February 17, 2021: FBI and U.S. Attorney Investigate Nursing Home Incident
On February 17, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn announced they were investigating the incident.
February 27, 2021: Charlotte Bennett Accuses Cuomo of Sexual Harassment
On February 27, 2021, Charlotte Bennett accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, saying that he asked her about her sex life on several occasions in late Spring 2020 and if she had been in sexual relationships with older men. Cuomo denied the accusations.
March 1, 2021: Garvey instructs James to proceed with investigation
On March 1, 2021, Cuomo's senior counsel Beth Garvey instructed New York Attorney General Letitia James to proceed with an independent investigation of Cuomo.
March 11, 2021: New York Assembly approves impeachment investigation
On March 11, 2021, the New York Assembly approved a separate impeachment investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations made against Cuomo.
March 2021: Allegations of Prioritized COVID-19 Testing
In March 2021, allegations emerged that Cuomo prioritized COVID-19 tests for his family and other associates during the early stages of the pandemic.
March 19, 2021: Audio Leaked of Cuomo Threatening Bill Lipton
On March 19, 2021, The New York Times leaked audio of Andrew Cuomo threatening Bill Lipton, head of the Working Families Party, with a disturbing comparison if he supported Cuomo's primary opponent.
July 23, 2021: DOJ Will Not Investigate Cuomo's Handling of COVID-19 Deaths
On July 23, 2021, the DOJ announced that they would not pursue an investigation into Cuomo's handling of COVID-19-related deaths in state nursing homes, nor a possible cover up of nursing home deaths, as a result of no evidence of wrongdoing.
August 3, 2021: Attorney General James releases report
On August 3, 2021, Attorney General James released a report concluding that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women during his time in office, and that Cuomo's office had engaged in illegal retaliation against Boylan for her allegation against him.
August 10, 2021: Cuomo announces resignation
On August 10, 2021, Cuomo announced he would step down as Governor of New York, effective August 24, despite denying all allegations of sexual harassment.
August 2021: Report details accusations of sexual harassment, Cuomo resigns
In August 2021, a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James detailed accusations of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo, leading to calls for his removal. Faced with likely impeachment, Cuomo announced his resignation as Governor.
August 2021: Resignation Following Sexual Harassment Report
In August 2021, following the release of a report detailing sexual harassment allegations, Andrew Cuomo resigned from office.
August 24, 2021: Cuomo's resignation as Governor becomes effective
On August 24, 2021, Andrew Cuomo's resignation as Governor of New York became effective, following accusations of sexual harassment and facing likely impeachment.
October 28, 2021: Cuomo to be charged with a misdemeanor sex crime
On October 28, 2021, a spokesman for the state court system announced that Cuomo would be charged with a misdemeanor sex crime in the Albany City Court.
November 16, 2021: JCOPE Revokes Authorization for Cuomo's Book
On November 16, 2021, the JCOPE revoked its prior authorization for Cuomo to publish his book, citing that Cuomo utilized state staff, buildings, and resources in writing, editing, and publishing the book.
December 14, 2021: Cuomo ordered to pay $5.1 million in book profits
On December 14, 2021, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics ordered Cuomo to pay New York state $5.1 million in book profits from "American Crisis", alleging he used state resources. Cuomo denied the claims and sued the commission.
December 23, 2021: Nassau County DA declines filing criminal charges
On December 23, 2021, Nassau county District Attorney Joyce Smith declined filing criminal charges against Cuomo.
December 28, 2021: Westchester County DA declines to issue criminal charges
On December 28, 2021, the Westchester County District Attorney declined to issue criminal charges against Cuomo, citing "statutory requirements" of New York.
2021: Investigation into Cuomo's Book Deal
In mid 2021, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) started investigating a publication deal Cuomo made over his book "American Crisis: Leadership lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic". The investigation was initiated based on allegations that Cuomo used tax payer money to write and create the book and that he had used his position to promote the book.
January 4, 2022: Albany County District Attorney drops criminal complaint
On January 4, 2022, Albany County District Attorney David Soares dropped a criminal complaint against Cuomo and announced that Cuomo would not face any other charges related to other groping allegations, citing lack of evidence.
January 31, 2022: Final sexual misconduct case dropped
On January 31, 2022, the fifth and final sexual misconduct case against Cuomo, made by Virginia Limmiatis, was dropped by Oswego district attorney Gregory Oakes, effectively clearing him of all charges.
May 2023: Supreme Court Overturns Joseph Percoco's Bribery Conviction
In May 2023, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned Joseph Percoco's bribery conviction.
November 24, 2023: Commisso files lawsuit
On November 24, 2023, Brittany Commisso filed a lawsuit against Cuomo alleging sexual harassment under the New York Adult Survivors Act. The lawsuit alleges a number of inappropriate interactions and actions by Cuomo, and that Commisso hadn't come forward in fear of retaliation; which the suit claims did happen and that then-Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul demoted her to menial tasks in lower offices. Cuomo's attorney responded claiming that Commisso's claims were false and an attempt at a "cash-grab".
January 7, 2025: Trial hearings started on Cuomo's book
On January 7, 2025, trial hearings started on the appeals to the New York State High Court of Appeals for Cuomo's book.
February 18, 2025: Top court declared that the new commission is constitutional, and thus the probe on Cuomo's book continues
On February 18, 2025, the top court declared that the new commission is constitutional, and thus the probe on Cuomo's book continues.
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