In an interview with ABC News on Tuesday, President Joe Biden said he believes embattled New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) should resign - and even be prosecuted - if the allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault against him are proven to be true.
"If the investigation confirms the claims of the women, should he resign?" ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos asked the president.
"Yes," Biden responded. "I think he'll probably end up being prosecuted, too."
"There should be an investigation to determine whether what she says is true," continued President Biden. "That's what's going on now."
"There could be a criminal prosecution that is attached to it. I just don't know," he added.
"Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, the majority of the congressional delegation don't think he can be an effective governor right now," Stephanopoulos pressed. "Can he serve effectively?"
"Well, that's a judgment for them to make,” Biden replied. “A woman should be presumed telling the truth and should not be scapegoated and become victimized by her coming forward."
"[It] takes a lot of courage to come forward. So, the presumption is they should be taken seriously. And it should be investigated. And that's what's underway now," the president continued.
The interview comes just days after Biden broke his silence on Cuomo’s sexual harassment scandal. On Sunday, the president stated, “I think the investigation is underway and we should see what it brings us."
At least seven female former staffers have come forward and accused Governor Cuomo of sexual misconduct, including allegations of harassment and even assault, calling his ability to govern effectively in to question. Bi-partisan efforts are currently underway to investigate and impeach the governor. On Thursday, 59 Democratic New York legislators signed a letter requesting Cuomo’s resignation.
Despite the pressure coming from all corners of the political spectrum, Cuomo has maintained the allegations are false and that he will not resign.