US President Donald Trump voiced objections to New York Attorney General Letitia James's (D) designation as special prosecutor overseeing the Cornell University sexual assault investigation, contending that individuals would be unable to receive impartial treatment under her leadership.
Trump opposed Letitia James as the special prosecutor for the Cornell sexual assault investigation, citing potential bias from her past legal actions against him. (Getty Images via AFP)
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) selected James for this assignment. James has previously conducted investigations into Trump and initiated legal action against him, with both parties engaging in ongoing public disputes.
Trump rips Letitia James
“Letitia James is a corrupt person,” Trump told reporters on the South Lawn en route to Alabama on Friday.
Deep Dive
Why did Trump criticize Letitia James's involvement in the Cornell sexual assault investigation?
Trump criticized Letitia James because he believes she is biased and that individuals under her oversight wouldn't receive a fair investigation.
What are the allegations in the Cornell University sexual assault case?
The allegations involve a former student, Jane Doe, claiming she was drugged and gang-raped by seven men at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
How did the Cornell administration respond to the initial allegations of sexual assault?
Cornell University suspended the Chi Phi fraternity and several students, while launching an internal investigation that included numerous interviews and hearings.
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“I feel bad for whoever she’s looking at because they won’t get a fair shake,” he added.
Trump and Hochul have been engaged in an ongoing dispute that's featured state legal actions challenging the administration's policies, along with her decision to pursue fraud charges against the Trump administration.
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Trump shared his thoughts just a few hours after the New York attorney general selected James for the position.
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Trump shared his thoughts just a few hours after the New York attorney general selected James for the position.
Kathy Hochul sends Cornell rape case to attorney general
Hochul expressed that she didn't feel the district attorney had what it took to manage the situation.
“I stand ready to lead a process guided by the facts and the law. In the coming months, my office will dutifully carry out the responsibilities the governor has conferred upon us in this executive order. We will review the facts, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and, if warranted, pursue prosecutions,” James told media on Friday.
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Trump's statement comes as the most recent development in an ongoing investigation concerning the alleged gang rape that occurred at a campus fraternity in 2024.
Cornell rape case
A Cornell University sophomore at the time of the incident has filed a lawsuit against the university, the fraternity involved, her own sorority, and seven men she identifies as her attackers.
After examining the case, a local district attorney chose not to file charges. According to reporting by The New York Times, several of the men named in the lawsuit admitted to having sexual contact with the woman but claimed it was consensual.
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Home/World News/Us News/Did Trump just defend Cornell 7? Here's why POTUS feels ‘they won’t get a fair shake’
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