Trump Criticizes AG James's Probe of Cornell Rape Allegations
The Story
President Donald Trump stated Friday that he feels badly for the seven men accused of gang-raping a woman at Cornell University, and for the university itself, because New York Attorney General Letitia James is overseeing the investigation.
Trump told reporters outside the White House that James is totally corrupt and that the accused won't get a fair shake. The alleged assault occurred in October 2024 at Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity house, according to a civil complaint filed September 14. The case has drawn renewed scrutiny after investigators initially closed the criminal investigation without charges in 2024.
New documents released this week, including a transcript where the accuser told Cornell police she was "100 percent" certain she had been raped, raised questions about the case's handling. Hochul stated that the accuser was failed by those obligated to protect her, including campus police and the county prosecutor. James previously prosecuted Trump and the Trump Organization for civil fraud. James described her investigation as a monthslong process with no predetermined outcome.
The Spread
The coverage 11 sources
- LeftRaw StoryBacklash erupts after Trump says he ‘feels badly’ for Cornell rape suspects: ‘Disgusting’ (opens the publisher’s site)
- LeftThe Daily BeastTrump Expresses Sympathy for Accused Cornell Seven Rapists (opens the publisher’s site)
- Center-LeftNBC NewsHochul and James vow to investigate Cornell sexual assault case (opens the publisher’s site)
- Center-LeftThe Boston GlobeN.Y. governor says Cornell rape accuser was ‘failed’ by people obligated to protect her (opens the publisher’s site)
- Center-LeftThe IndependentTrump says ‘I feel badly’ for accused Cornell gang rapists because his nemesis is investigating them (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterAnchorage Daily NewsNY governor says Cornell rape accuser was ‘failed’ by people obligated to protect her (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterSan Antonio Express-NewsWhat to know about the investigation into Cornell University gang rape allegations - San Antonio Express-News (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterThe HillTrump: Cornell students ‘won’t get a fair shake’ with James leading probe (opens the publisher’s site)
- Center-RightLas Vegas Review-JournalCornell rape accuser was ‘failed’ by people obligated to protect her, NY governor says (opens the publisher’s site)
- Far RightNewsmaxTrump: AG James Won't Give Cornell Accused 'Fair Shake' (opens the publisher’s site)