Cuomo gives farewell address on final day in office

Gov. Cuomo addressed New Yorkers for a final time before his resignation takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday.

The governor is stepping down in the wake of Attorney General Letitia James’ report, which accused him of sexually harassing eleven women. The governor has adamantly denied any wrong doing.

"There will be another time to talk about the truth and ethics of the recent situation involving me, but let me say now, that when government politicizes allegations and the headlines condemn without facts, you undermine the justice system. That doesn’t serve women, and it doesn’t serve men or society," the governor said in his farewell address.

"I understand there are moments of intense political pressure and media frenzy that cause a rush to judgement, but that is not right," he said. "Facts still matter."

The governor went onto say the truth always comes out, and explained why he decided to step down.

"Prolonging this situation could only cause governmental paralysis," he stressed.

While acknowledging the things he achieved during his time in office, the governor also gave his advice on handling the coronavirus pandemic moving forward.

The governor said teachers must be vaccinated. He also said private businesses must mandate proof of vaccination for large gatherings.

He ended his speech by thanking New Yorkers.