Democratic women slam Trump for not backing abuse victims, saying he is 'quick to doubt'
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President Donald Trump says he was suprised about domestic violence accusations against a top White House aide. (Feb. 9)
AP
WASHINGTON — Democratic women in Congress took President Trump to task Saturday for defending those accused of abuse, but not mentioning the victims who have endured violence.Â
“Women’s lives are upended every day by sexual violence and harassment,’’ Democratic leader Patty Murray of Washington tweeted Saturday morning. “I’m going to keep standing with them, and trusting them, even if the President won’t.â€
Trump’s comments come on the heels of the #MeToo movement, which gained traction in 2017 as a hashtag on Twitter to help women tell their stories about sexual violence and support others who have experienced abuse.Â
Trump ramped up his defense Saturday when he tweeted that lives are being destroyed by a “mere allegation†and questioned whether there is still due process. He didn’t mention Porter by name.
Peoples lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation. Some are true and some are false. Some are old and some are new. There is no recovery for someone falsely accused – life and career are gone. Is there no such thing any longer as Due Process?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 10, 2018
Trump initially came under fire for defending staff secretary Rob Porter, who was accused by his two ex-wives of domestic violence. Trump said Friday he was surprised by the allegations, but praised Porter’s work and noted that Porter said he was innocent. He didn’t mention the ex-wives or their allegations against Porter.
More: Tone deaf? Trump warns ‘mere’ abuse allegation can shatter lives
More: Trump says he was ‘surprised’ by abuse allegations against staff secretary Rob Porter
“We absolutely wish him well, he did a very good job when he was at the White House,” Trump said. The abuse claims were first reported in a British tabloid The Daily Mail. And Porter was forced to resign Wednesday.
David Sorenson, a White House speechwriter, also resigned over domestic abuse allegations this week. He has denied his wife’s claims.
Florida Rep. Lois Frankel, chairwoman of the Democratic Women’s Working Group, posted on Facebook Friday that the White House staff should be held to the highest ethical standards. She blasted Trump for not vetting Porter and chief of staff John Kelly for not acting when he learned of the charges against Porter.
“Now Trump is defending him and singing his praises without any mention of the women Porter allegedly abused,’’ she said. “This blatant denial of any wrongdoing is unacceptable. These women deserve to be heard — not silenced and waved away!â€
One of Porter’s ex-wives produced photos of a black eye she said Porter gave her while in Italy. In a written statement sent through the White House press office Wednesday, Porter said he took those photos, but that “the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described,” he said. He did not elaborate.Â
Rep. Robin Kelly, a Democrat from Illinois and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, said the black eye is proof enough of domestic violence.
“The President’s tweet once again shows that he’s unwilling to stand up for victims and instead more than willing to stand up for abusers,” Kelly said Saturday. “Those that have been victimized need to know that they can speak up and get justice rather than be doubted. The President is quick to doubt and slow on compassion.”  Rep. Kelly lost a cousin to domestic violence.Â
Republicans largely stayed quiet Saturday on social media and some declined to comment on the president’s tweet.
The firestorm comes in the wake of congressional efforts to address sexual harassment and assault on Capitol Hill.
The House approved a measure this week that would require members to personally pay any settlements for sexual harassment claims rather than using their office budgets. It would also help victims better navigate the complaint process. The House and Senate recently approved a measure to require mandatory anti-sexual harassment training.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence called Trump’s remarks “dangerous†on its blog Friday, saying it sends a message that accusers will be believed over victims.
“The Trump Administration continues to ignore opportunities public stance against domestic violence,’’ the group posted. Â
Contributing: Gregory Korte, Jessica Estepa, Doug Stanglin