TRUSTEE EXPOSED: VICTOR MENDELSON
THE PROFILE
ROLE: VICE CHAIR, COLUMBIA TRUSTEE (CC ’89)
STATUS: CEO OF WAR PROFITEER HEICO
KNOWN FOR: CAPITULATING TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
THE ARMS PROFITEER
Mendelson is the Co-CEO of HEICO, a military contractor that has seen a staggering 277% GROWTH in revenue since 2014. HEICO is a major repair licensee for the Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet and produces parts for missiles, rockets, and targeting systems used in global conflicts. While profiting from war, Mendelson was compensated more than $6 million in 2024 alone -- 73 times the US median income.
FUNDING THE INVESTIGATION
While serving as a Vice-Chair of the Board, Mendelson was one of only two conservative donors. He donated thousands to Elise Stefanik—the politician leading the congressional assault on Columbia—just one week after her first document request from the University.
CAPITULATING TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
Mendelson is the "hard-line" faction's voice on the board. Under his leadership as Vice Chair, the board is currently capitulating to the trump administration, prioritizing HEICO’s military contracts and his political alliances over the academic freedom and safety of the Columbia community.