By Ed Timperlake
Cornell University President Michael I. Kotikoff recently expressed serious concerns about the sudden freeze of federal research grants, particularly those from the Department of Defense. His statement reveals the troubling scope of this funding suspension and its potential impact on critical national security research.
President Kotikoff’s initial statement outlined the gravity of the situation:
“Cornell is aware of media reports suggesting that more than $1 billion in federal grants have been frozen. While we have not received information that would confirm this figure, earlier today Cornell received more than 75 stop work orders from the Department of Defense related to research that is profoundly significant to American national defense, cybersecurity, and health.
“The affected grants include research into new materials for jet engines, propulsion systems, large-scale information networks, robotics, superconductors, and space and satellite communications, as well as cancer research – work of significance for our national defense, the competitiveness of our economy, and the health of our citizens.”
The situation has since worsened. According to June 12 correspondence from Cornell Media Relations, the university has now received more than 140 stop-work orders and terminations from various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, resulting in a cumulative impact of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Beyond the financial implications, this freeze has left world-class professors and brilliant doctoral students in limbo. These dedicated researchers, working on projects vital to American national security, now face uncertainty about their work’s continuation and future funding. The lack of communication from federal agencies about the basis for these decisions compounds the problem.
As a Naval Academy graduate, Vietnam Marine veteran, and Cornell MBA alumnus, I believe I can offer insight into why Cornell deserves immediate restoration of its research funding. The university’s commitment to supporting veterans provides a compelling argument for the Defense Department’s continued partnership.
Cornell University stands as a beacon of support for America’s veterans. According to U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges for Veterans,” Cornell University and the University of Chicago are tied for the number one ranking in the United States. These institutions represent the top-ranked schools in the 2025 Best Colleges rankings that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees.
Today’s veterans represent a unique generation forged in what many call “the sandbox wars.” These volunteers come from across America. They come from large cities and small towns, from farms, factories, office buildings, and service industries. While they span the political spectrum as Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, they share a common foundation of service.
Their military experience instilled a fundamental truth captured in the combat saying: when bullets are flying and people are dying, it comes down to the fact that no one was in it for the money. This generation of veterans possesses the moral clarity to drive positive change in America.
At their finest moments, these men and women demonstrated they were not driven by greed, posturing, or excuses. They didn’t complain or make excuses; they simply put one foot in front of the other and soldiered on to accomplish the mission and build better lives for themselves and their families.
Veterans possess a well-developed instinct for integrity and truth, making them resistant to manipulation by those who would exploit their energy for personal gain. This character trait becomes particularly valuable in academic and research environments, where intellectual honesty and rigorous inquiry are paramount.
Many of these veterans are currently students at Cornell University, bringing their commitment to service and integrity to their academic pursuits. Their presence enhances the university’s research environment and reinforces its commitment to supporting national defense objectives.
The Department of Defense should immediately restore Cornell University’s research funding. The university’s track record of supporting veterans, combined with the critical nature of its research projects, makes it an ideal partner for defense-related research initiatives.
Cornell University, as a land-grant institution serving New York state and the nation, has worked diligently to create an environment where all individuals and viewpoints are protected and respected. The university has demonstrated its commitment to working with federal partners to continue the valuable contributions made by its scientists and scholars.
The research being conducted at Cornell—covering new materials for jet engines, propulsion systems, large-scale information networks, robotics, superconductors, space and satellite communications, and cancer research—directly serves our national defense, economic competitiveness, and public health.
Given Cornell’s exceptional support for veterans and its critical research contributions to national security, the Defense Department should expeditiously review and restore the university’s research funding. The combination of world-class academic excellence and a veteran-friendly environment makes Cornell an invaluable partner in advancing America’s defense capabilities.
The freeze on research funding not only harms individual researchers and students but also undermines America’s long-term security and competitiveness. It’s time to unfreeze the money and restore this vital partnership.
Ed Timperlake, Cornell MBA, served as the first Assistant Secretary of Congressional and Public Affairs and later Public and Intergovernmental Affairs as the VA achieved Cabinet rank.