New York Times columnist Michelle Cottle is facing intense backlash after suggesting that President Donald Trump is responsible for the cultural conditions that led to an alleged gang rape at Cornell University. Cottle made the comments on ABC News on Sunday, arguing that a broader disrespect for women in the current moment contributed to the incident. She stated, "And that, I think, starts, you know: we can go to the president for this one," adding that the glorification of thuggish behavior toward women is a defining feature of the current culture.
The alleged assault involves a woman identified as Jane Doe in court records, who has filed a civil lawsuit against seven men. She alleges they gang-raped her during a ketamine- and alcohol-induced incident at Cornell University in 2024. The men have denied wrongdoing; some claim the sex was consensual, while others state they did not participate. No criminal charges have been filed in the matter.
Critics have pointed out that former President Joe Biden occupied the White House during the 2024 incident, not Trump. Fox News contributor Joe Concha and other social media users highlighted this timeline discrepancy. CNN contributor Scott Jennings mocked the claim, referring to it as a new edition of "Trump turned me into a newt!" Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the commentary as lazy and embarrassing, while conservative commentator John Ziegler called the take delusional. The Media Research Center, which first posted the clip, countered with the sarcastic remark, "Of course, it's Trump's fault."
The case is currently under investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump has publicly commented on the investigation, attacking James as a "corrupt person." He stated that he feels badly for those being investigated because they would not get a fair shake from James. This follows a 2022 civil fraud lawsuit filed by James against Trump, in which he was found liable in 2024 and ordered to pay more than $350 million, though that penalty was later overturned on appeal.
Fox News Digital reached out to The New York Times and the White House for comment regarding Cottle's statements and the ensuing controversy.