Eric Adams Urges Andrew Cuomo to Address Nursing Home Controversy Amid Mayoral Campaign

Eric Adams Urges Andrew Cuomo to Address Nursing Home Controversy Amid Mayoral Campaign

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called for former Governor Andrew Cuomo to address his handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This statement came as Cuomo embarks on his campaign for mayor of New York City.

Adams Demands Accountability

During a press briefing on Monday, Adams responded to a reporter’s inquiry about whether Cuomo’s alleged underreporting of COVID-19 nursing home fatalities should disqualify him from seeking public office again. Adams emphasized that Cuomo must answer these critical questions as he campaigns for mayor.

According to Adams, he has met with families of nursing home residents and advocates who are eager to learn more about what transpired during the pandemic. He noted, “I’ve met with some of the nursing home family members and advocates. There’s some things that we want to do with them. But he has to answer that question on the trail.” Adams believes the issue requires clarification but does not feel it alone should bar Cuomo from running for mayor.

Controversial COVID-19 Policies

A report released in March 2022 by the New York State Comptroller revealed significant concerns regarding Cuomo’s administration’s transparency regarding COVID-19 fatalities in nursing homes. The report stated that the Health Department had understated the number of nursing home deaths by as much as 50% during certain periods of the pandemic.

This transparency issue has fueled public discourse surrounding Cuomo’s leadership. Critics have argued that the former governor’s controversial directives, which mandated nursing homes to accept recovering COVID-19 patients, contributed to tragic outcomes. Over 9,000 individuals were sent back to nursing homes, potentially exacerbating the spread of the virus.

Utah’s Perspective and Investigations

Cuomo’s directives came under scrutiny from Republican lawmakers, who criticized the lack of coordination in the evolving response to the pandemic. A subsequent report commissioned by Governor Kathy Hochul, Cuomo’s successor, indicated that the policies in place for nursing homes were “rushed and uncoordinated.” However, the report also maintained that they were established based on the best scientific knowledge available at the time.

Ongoing Allegations and Campaign Implications

As Cuomo continues his political ambitions, he faces not only scrutiny over his handling of nursing homes but also ongoing allegations of sexual harassment. While denying any wrongdoing, Cuomo is compelled to address these claims as they arise during his campaign. Adams echoed this sentiment, stating, “I believe the women [who] made the allegations, respect what they stated. I believe what they said based on the investigation, and he has to answer that on the trail.”

Cuomo’s Mayoral Bid Announcement

Over the weekend, Cuomo released a video announcing his intention to run for mayor, characterizing New York City as feeling “threatening, out of control, and in crisis.” His candidacy has already sparked considerable debate, as many residents are concerned about the implications of his previous governance.

Public Reaction and the Road Ahead

The public’s perception of Cuomo’s past actions in office, particularly regarding nursing homes and sexual harassment claims, will significantly impact his chances in the mayoral race. As the campaign progresses, it is likely that these issues will dominate discussions among voters and included in upcoming debates.

Looking Towards the Future

The nursing home controversy acts as a critical backdrop as Cuomo re-enters the political arena. With increasing scrutiny from both supporters and detractors, it remains to be seen how effective Cuomo’s responses will be, and whether he can navigate the ongoing challenges posed by his past.

As both Adams and Cuomo gear up for the election, the conversations surrounding these pressing issues will likely shape New York City’s political landscape in the coming months.

Fox News’ Bradford Betz, Maria Paronich, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.