Former Columbia University interim president interviewed by federal government
Investigators from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently conducted a closed-door deposition with former Columbia University interim President Katrina Armstrong regarding issues of antisemitism on campus. Armstrong, who resigned on March 28 and announced a leave of absence from her role as CEO of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, faced questioning from HHS investigators on April 1.
During the deposition, Armstrong claimed ignorance of allegations that Jewish students had been spit on and professed unfamiliarity with faculty members accused of distributing pro-Hamas material following the October 7, 2023 attack. She also stated that she was unaware of students at Columbia University advocating for Israel’s destruction.
According to excerpts from the transcript released by the Wall Street Journal, Sean Keveney, acting general counsel of HHS, expressed dissatisfaction with Armstrong’s responses, questioning her memory of specific incidents of antisemitism given her background as a doctor. Armstrong attributed her lack of recollection to the challenges she faced over the past year, describing certain aspects as a “blur.”
In response to Armstrong’s testimony, Columbia University’s board of trustees sought to distance the institution from her statements, emphasizing their commitment to addressing discrimination, harassment, and antisemitism on campus. The board affirmed that Armstrong’s testimony did not reflect the university’s efforts to combat these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
The deposition with Armstrong comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s decision to withhold over $400 million in funding from Columbia University due to concerns about antisemitism. Negotiations for the restoration of funding commenced following the university’s agreement to implement changes to protest policies.
Both HHS and Columbia University were contacted for comments on the matter, but responses were not immediately available.
It is worth noting that Adam Sabes, a writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to the original report. For any further updates on this story, readers are encouraged to follow Adam Sabes on Twitter @asabes10 or contact him via email at Adam.Sabes@fox.com.
