TRUSTEE EXPOSED: JEH JOHNSON
THE PROFILE
ROLE: CO-CHAIR, COLUMBIA TRUSTEE(LAW '82)
STATUS: FORMER LOCKHEED MARTIN DIRECTOR
KNOWN FOR: SIGNING THE $200M TRUMP SETTLEMENT
THE BORDER ARCHITECT
As DHS Secretary, Johnson was a primary architect of family detention. He explicitly stated his goal was to "send a message" by locking up mothers and children fleeing violence. This same "hard-line" mentality governs his tenure at Columbia, where he oversees the capitulating to the trump administration and the suppression of student academic freedom.
WAR PROFITS & REVOLVING DOORS
Johnson spent almost seven years on the board of war profiteer Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest military contractor. His former law firm, Paul Weiss, where he was partner, has defended ExxonMobil in climate litigation and Big Tobacco in lawsuits involving marketing to children. Johnson represents the merger of state violence and corporate greed.
THE $200M CAPITULATION
In July 2025, Johnson co-signed a shameful settlement with the Trump administration. The deal trades Columbia's autonomy and academic freedom for federal cash, making it clear that Johnson's loyalty lies with his corporate clients, not the Columbia community.