Applause Erupts During Heated Exchange Between Elise Stefanik and Andrew Cuomo
In a fiery congressional hearing, Representative Elise Stefanik confronted former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over the handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes, accusing him of causing the deaths of over 15,000 vulnerable seniors. The heated exchange, which culminated in audience applause and a subsequent point of order, underscored the tension surrounding Cuomo’s leadership during the pandemic.
Nursing Home Deaths and the March 25 Executive Order
Stefanik began by highlighting the controversial executive order issued on March 25, 2020, which mandated that nursing homes accept COVID-19 positive patients. According to Stefanik, this decision had fatal consequences, leading to the deaths of thousands of seniors. “We are here today on behalf of over 15,000 vulnerable seniors who died because of Governor Cuomo’s fatal executive order,” she said. She also acknowledged the grief and tireless advocacy of the families affected by this tragedy, many of whom had been “smeared, attacked, and denigrated” by Cuomo and his aides.
Allegations of a Cover-Up
Stefanik continued her pointed accusations by claiming that Cuomo and his senior aides deliberately hid the true scale of nursing home deaths by altering the methodology for counting fatalities. This, she argued, was done to protect Cuomo’s reputation. “This investigation found that you, former governor, and your most senior aides made a deliberate decision to exclude certain COVID-19 related nursing home deaths to hide and undercount the actual mortality rate,” Stefanik asserted.
Testimonies Contradict Cuomo’s Denials
In her questioning, Stefanik referred to testimonies from health officials, including Dr. Howard Zucker, who served as New York’s health commissioner during the pandemic. She claimed that Dr. Zucker testified that the directive received sign-off from Cuomo’s office. Despite Cuomo’s denials, Stefanik was firm in her assertions. “Everything goes to the governor’s office,” she said, referencing Dr. Zucker’s testimony. Cuomo, however, maintained his position, stating he was unaware of such testimonies.
Cuomo’s Book Deal Sparks Further Tension
In one of the most explosive moments of the hearing, Stefanik pressed Cuomo about his book deal negotiations during the height of the pandemic. She alleged that while seniors were dying in nursing homes, Cuomo was negotiating a multi-million-dollar advance for his memoir on his handling of COVID-19. Cuomo, visibly frustrated, dismissed her claims as untrue. Stefanik, undeterred, fired back, “You’re the one who undercounted nursing home deaths… When were you negotiating for your multi-million dollar advance deal for your book as seniors were dying in nursing homes?”
Applause Breaks Out in the Hearing Room
The clash between Stefanik and Cuomo reached its peak when Stefanik demanded an apology from Cuomo to the families of the nursing home victims. “Look them in the eye and apologize,” she said. Although Cuomo did not offer an apology, the intensity of the exchange led to applause from the audience. A point of order was raised by another representative, reminding the audience that applause or expressions of emotion are prohibited during hearings.
The exchange between Stefanik and Cuomo highlights the lingering controversy over New York’s COVID-19 response, especially regarding nursing homes. Cuomo, who resigned amid multiple scandals in 2021, remains a polarizing figure, with this hearing further intensifying the debate over his legacy.
