U.S. Rep. James Comer | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. James Comer | Official U.S. House headshot
New evidence suggests former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo attempted to influence the testimony of a Select Subcommittee witness, according to a release from the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. The addendum to its latest staff memorandum outlines communications between Mr. Cuomo and Dr. Jim Malatras, a former top aide.
The memorandum, titled “Findings from the Select Subcommittee’s Investigation into the Cuomo Administration’s March 25 Directive Admitting COVID-Positive Patients into Nursing Homes,” presents a timeline of interactions that coincide with significant developments in the investigation. This raises concerns about potential attempts by Mr. Cuomo to influence Dr. Malatras’ testimony and obstruct the investigation.
A summary of key contacts includes:
Contact #1:
On May 17, 2023, COVID Select held its first hearing on the New York nursing home investigation. Less than 24 hours later, Mr. Cuomo texted Dr. Malatras for the first time since 2021; Dr. Malatras did not respond.
Contact #2:
On February 16, 2024, COVID Select requested Dr. Malatras appear for a transcribed interview. Within 48 hours, Mr. Cuomo texted Dr. Malatras again for only the second time since 2021; again, there was no response from Dr. Malatras.
Contact #3:
On July 15, 2024, COVID Select privately confirmed Mr. Cuomo’s hearing date. That same day, Mr. Cuomo contacted Dr. Malatras for the third time and brought up the nursing home investigation during their call, which made Dr. Malatras feel "uncomfortable."
Dr. Malatras was notably the only witness in this investigation to testify that Mr. Cuomo was directly involved in editing a report by the New York State Department of Health dated July 6, 2020—alleging that nursing home staff caused excess COVID-19 deaths rather than a directive issued on March 25.
The full addendum and related documents are available through provided links.
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