Who is Sally Yates? Cornell rape-review pick was fired by Trump after refusing to defend travel ban

What happened: Cornell University appointed Sally Yates, a former deputy attorney general fired by Donald Trump in 2017, to lead an independent review of its handling of sexual assault allegations, including an alleged October 2024 fraternity house gang rape. Key numbers: Yates was confirmed 84-12 in Why it matters: The review adds another prominent Trump adversary to the controversy, days after New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed to oversee a separate state investigation. Cornell said it chose Yates for her expertise in higher education and independent investigations.

Cornell University appointed Sally Yates, a former deputy attorney general fired by Donald Trump in 2017, to lead an independent review of its handling of sexual assault allegations, including an alleged October 2024 fraternity house gang rape.

The review adds another prominent Trump adversary to the controversy, days after New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed to oversee a separate state investigation. Cornell said it chose Yates for her expertise in higher education and independent investigations.