University Administration Liquidates President's Residence Following Federal Finance Blockages at Cornell
In early 2025, the Trump administration initiated a series of freezes on billions of dollars in federal research funding and grants to Ivy League schools, citing alleged civil rights violations and concerns such as accusations of antisemitism and racial preferences [2][3]. This move affected several prestigious institutions, including Cornell University, Harvard, Brown, Princeton, Columbia, Duke, and Northwestern [2][3].
Among the hardest hit by these funding freezes is Cornell University, which saw over $1 billion in federal funding frozen in April 2025, during an investigation into civil rights violations [2][3]. The financial repercussions have been immediate, with Cornell University putting its president's home, known as "Robin Hill," up for sale for $2.5 million [4].
However, no direct information or credible reports link the federal funding freeze or the associated financial pressures to the president’s home sale. The existing coverage focuses primarily on institutional finances, grants, and loan measures without mention of personal asset sales by university officials [2][3][4].
The financial pressure from the funding freeze is significant for Cornell. The university has suspended a major part of its research budget, creating financial uncertainty [2][3]. To counter the funding losses, Cornell has taken measures such as freezing hiring and cutting costs [1].
Similarly, Brown University took out substantial loans to offset the loss of more than $510 million in federal grants and contracts, warning about potential significant cost-cutting, including hiring freezes and service reductions [1].
Harvard, as well as Princeton, has stated it will not comply with the administration's demands in exchange for federal funding. Cornell, Brown, and other universities have sued the Department of Energy in April, arguing that the funding freeze is unlawful and beyond the government's authority [4].
The Association of American Universities stated that the DOE's cuts will have an immediate and dire impact on critical energy, physical sciences, and engineering research nationwide [4]. The Trump administration's actions set a dangerous precedent that could be used to undermine federal investments in research at many other federal agencies [4].
The White House has intensely focused on Ivy League schools during the first few months of the Trump's second term, launching investigations over claims of antisemitism on campus and accusations of racial discrimination related to diversity programs [4]. The funding freeze comes as the federal government investigates these claims [4].
Rachel King, a news writer at Town & Country, has been covering this story extensively. Before joining Town & Country, she spent nearly a decade as an editor at Fortune. Rachel's work covering travel and lifestyle has appeared in Forbes, Observer, Robb Report, Cruise Critic, and Cool Hunting, among others. Rachel lives in New York with her wife, their daughter, and a precocious labradoodle. Follow her on Instagram at [Instagram handle] for more updates.
The house, located in the village of Cayuga Heights, covers over 8,700 square feet, has seven bedrooms, and eight bathrooms [4]. The property is situated on a three-acre lot and includes features such as a vaulted Oak Room, an Adam-style fireplace mantel, and a charming library. The Zillow property listing describes the estate as a "testament to a bygone era." [4]
The home was first owned by the university from 1963 to 1974 and was bought back by Cornell in 1995 [4]. The home was built in 1923 and designed by Cornell-trained architect Lakin Baldridge [4]. The current interim president of Cornell University, Michael I. Kotlikoff, lives on private property [4].
As the situation develops, more detailed or updated information about Cornell’s president’s home sale could provide better insight into any direct personal impact from these funding freezes. The university of Harvard has filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing the funding freeze is unlawful and beyond the government's authority [4]. The DOE cuts could have far-reaching implications for research and education across the United States.
- Despite the financial pressure from the federal funding freeze at Cornell University, no direct information or credible reports link the president’s home sale to this situation.
- Rachel King, a news writer at Town & Country, has been extensively covering the impact of the Trump administration's funding freeze on Ivy League schools, such as Cornell University.
- The home of Cornell University's president, known as "Robin Hill," was first owned by the university from 1963 to 1974 and was bought back by Cornell in 1995, covering over 8,700 square feet with seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
- The Association of American Universities has stated that the DOE's cuts will have an immediate and dire impact on critical research and education nationwide.
- Universities like Cornell, Brown, and Harvard have taken legal action against the Department of Energy, arguing that the funding freeze is unlawful and beyond the government's authority, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for federal investments in research at other federal agencies.
