“U.S. President Donald Trump stated he feels "badly" for seven male Cornell University students accused of sexual assault because they "won't get a fair shake."”
Verdict
✅TrueConfidence
What We Found
President Donald Trump stated he feels "badly" for the seven male students accused of sexual assault at Cornell University, asserting they would not receive a "fair shake" because New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed to investigate the case.
Evidence
On October 2, 2026, while speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House, President Donald Trump was asked about New York Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to appoint New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate a sexual assault case involving seven Cornell University students (often referred to as the "Cornell 7"). Trump responded by criticizing James, calling her "corrupt," and stating, "I feel badly for whoever she's looking at because they won't get a fair shake." Multiple reputable news organizations, including The New York Times, The Independent, The Hill, and the Washington Examiner, documented these remarks. The comments were made in the context of a long-standing public feud between Trump and James, who had previously led investigations into Trump's business practices.
What's Missing or Misleading
The claim accurately reflects the President's stated position. No significant context is missing that would alter the factual nature of the statement itself, though the President's motivation for the comment is rooted in his personal history with the Attorney General.
Sources Reviewed (4)
Trump says ‘I feel badly’ for accused Cornell gang rapists because his nemesis is investigating them
Cornell students 'won't get a fair shake' with Letitia James leading probe
Trump says ‘Cornell Seven’ won’t get a fair shake under Letitia James
Did Trump say he feels badly for 'Cornell 7' because they 'won't get a fair shake'?