NY AG James Vows Impartiality in Cornell Rape Probe Amid Trump Criticism

New York Attorney General Letitia James stated Friday she will conduct a fair investigation into the seven defendants accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Cornell University fraternity party. Her special investigation into the alleged college "gang rape" comes amid a lawsuit against Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, and others, which has brought the university's handling of campus sexual assault allegations into national focus.

James pushed back against questions about her impartiality, insisting the investigation would be guided by facts and evidence, not politics. Former President Donald Trump has questioned James' ability to lead an impartial investigation. "Letitia James is a corrupt person," Trump said. "She’s totally corrupt, and I can’t imagine it. And I feel badly for whoever she’s looking at because they won’t get a fair shake."

Attorneys for two of the defendants have also sought James’ removal. Andrew Miltenberg, representing Gillio Lopes, and Teny Geragos, representing Winston Lee, have pointed to a social media post by James. Geragos argued in a court filing that the post shows she is "unquestionably biased."

Just days before her appointment as special prosecutor, James posted on X, formerly Twitter, in support of the alleged victim. "What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I’m holding her in my heart and in my prayers," James posted on Sept. 28. "To her, and to all survivors: you’re not alone. We stand with you."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has defended her appointment of James. "I have every confidence" that James will "look at the facts, examine the record and draw the proper conclusions," Hochul said.

James has rejected accusations that she prejudged the case. During an attorney general campaign debate, she stated her comments supporting the alleged victim were intended to demonstrate "empathy" and insisted that "politics stops at the door" of her office.

The case centers on allegations from a Cornell student who claims she was gang-raped at a Chi Phi fraternity house party in 2024. Cornell University Police investigated the allegations and submitted the student's sworn statement to the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors declined to pursue charges at the time, stating that the evidence was insufficient to sustain criminal charges under New York law.

Cornell conducted a separate Title IX investigation, which resulted in disciplinary actions against several defendants, including the expulsion of two students and the suspension of two others. The university shuttered the Chi Phi fraternity house at 107 Edgemoor Lane in Ithaca, N.Y., following the allegations.