Trump Calls Cornell a 'Fine School' Amid Fraternity Assault Allegations
President Donald Trump offered public support for Cornell University, describing it as a fine school while the institution faces intense scrutiny over a civil lawsuit involving alleged fraternity sexual violence. Trump made the comments when asked by reporters about the university's handling of the claims. The legal case has prompted local prosecutors to reopen a criminal investigation.
President Donald Trump recently addressed reporters regarding Cornell University as the Ivy League institution faces intense national scrutiny over serious sexual assault allegations linked to a campus fraternity, according to reporting by TMZ. When asked whether university leadership had taken sufficient steps to investigate a former student's claims, Trump offered words of support for the institution, stating that he views Cornell as a fine school and believes leadership will take the necessary steps to handle the situation appropriately.
The president's statements arrive amidst growing legal pressure surrounding a civil lawsuit filed against seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell. As reported by TMZ, the civil complaint alleges that the fraternity members drugged and gang-raped a 20-year-old student during a campus event in 2024. The court filing further claims that one of the accused men transmitted an explicit message regarding the alleged assault inside a group chat on Snapchat.
Following the civil court filing, the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office reopened a criminal investigation into the matter and intends to present the allegations to a grand jury, according to reporting by TMZ. University officials stated that Cornell conducted an internal Title IX investigation regarding the allegations, which concluded with official disciplinary measures including suspensions, expulsions, and other administrative penalties against involved individuals. Trump, who earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, opted not to join other lawmakers who have publicly criticized Cornell over its handling of campus safety reports and administrative oversight.
During his comments to reporters, the president acknowledged that he did not have extensive detailed information about the specific allegations before sharing his positive opinion of the university. TMZ noted that approximately one year prior to these remarks, the Trump administration completed a $60 million agreement with Cornell University. That agreement restored federal funding to the university and brought an end to active federal investigations involving the institution. As the criminal probe proceeds toward grand jury review, higher education observers and legal analysts continue to monitor how federal oversight and university policies address serious allegations of campus violence.