Donald Trump is backing Cornell University’s ability to handle a high-profile sexual assault controversy, saying the school will “do what’s right” after a former student accused seven fraternity members of gang rape.
“Well, I don’t know that much about it,” Trump told reporters Thursday, Oct. 1. “But Cornell’s a fine school, and I’m sure they’ll do what’s right.”
His controversial remarks came after a reporter asked whether the university had done enough to investigate the allegations.
The woman, who was 20 at the time, identified in court papers as Jane Doe, alleges seven members of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity sexually assaulted her during an October 2024 house party after she was pressured into taking ketamine.
Donald Trump describes Cornell as a 'fine school' despite ongoing allegations of a gang rape scandal. This statement comes amid significant public scrutiny. pic.twitter.com/eX0pIliVQm
— Popo (@Giftoboxes) October 1, 2026
The allegations are part of a civil lawsuit filed last week, but no arrests have been made, and lawyers for some of the men have denied criminal wrongdoing.
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has reopened the investigation and said prosecutors intend to take the case before a grand jury.
Cornell has defended its response to the allegations and denied claims that students escaped with only minor punishment.
“None of the individuals charged were offered the opportunity to write essays as a sole consequence of their involvement,” university official Kyle Kimball said.
