The New York Attorney General’s 168-page report containing findings of sexual harassment and misconduct committed by Governor Andrew Cuomo are renewing calls for his removal or resignation, including from President Joe Biden.
Biden said he has not spoken to Cuomo and that he stood by his statement earlier this year that Cuomo should resign if the allegations were confirmed.
When asked if Cuomo should be impeached or removed from office if he does not resign, Biden said “let’s take one thing at a time.”
“I think he should resign, I understand that the state Legislature may decide to impeach, I don’t know that for fact, I’ve not read all that data,” Biden said.
The president was one of many officials or lawmakers to react to the news of the attorney general’s report on Tuesday.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who would lead any impeachment proceedings, initially said it did not appear Cuomo was fit for office. He released an updated statement saying he believes Cuomo has lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority:
“After our conference this afternoon to discuss the Attorney General’s report concerning sexual harassment allegations against Governor Cuomo, it is abundantly clear to me that the Governor has lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority and that he can no longer remain in office. Once we receive all relevant documents and evidence from the Attorney General, we will move expeditiously and look to conclude our impeachment investigation as quickly as possible.”
ABC News Political Director Rick Klein detailed what the results could mean for Cuomo:
“Under Attorney General Letitia James, a comprehensive and independent investigation into the allegations against Governor Cuomo has been completed,” Pelosi said in a statement. “As always, I commend the women who came forward to speak their truth. Recognizing his love of New York and the respect for the office he holds, I call upon the Governor to resign.”
State Attorney General Letitia James announced the findings Tuesday.
Cuomo faced multiple allegations last winter that he inappropriately touched and sexually harassed women who worked with him or who he met at public events.
Wang represents Alyssa McGrath, who still works for the Governor, and Virginia Limmiatis, who accused Cuomo of unwanted touching in 2017.
Cuomo has always denied the allegations and continued to do so on Tuesday afternoon.
“I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances,” he said. “”Trial by newspaper or biased reviews are not the way to find the facts in this matter.”
Wang called the response “laughable.”
“He is also found by independent investigators to have immediately punished and bullied anyone who does not agree with his behavior, forcing them out of jobs or limiting their career prospects,” she said. “Our laws are there for a reason. Women who go to work should be allowed to do so in a safe and secure environment, not subjected to being grabbed, touched or be stared at. And not being punished for reporting it.”
Cuomo is also finding little support from fellow Democratic lawmakers.
New York City Mayor de Blasio called the findings “very troubling” during his news conference on Tuesday. He added that he wanted to review the report before making an official statement.
“The fact that there are 11 women coming forward is deeply, deeply disturbing,” she said. “I do believe he should resign.”
Democratic U.S. Reps. Tom Suozzi, Greg Meeks and Hakeem Jeffries have also joined with their colleagues in the New York Congressional Delegation calling for Cuomo to resign.
Cuomo has given no indication that he will resign. Showing photos of him kissing luminaries, Cuomo appeared to reject the entire 168-page report, accusing its authors of weaponizing ordinary intersections, jokes and banter.
