Add U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz to the list of men former President Donald Trump has defended when faced with allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse.
“Congressman Matt Gaetz never asked my forgiveness,” Trump said in a statement Wednesday after the New York Times reported that Gaetz had asked Trump’s White House for a blanket pardon.
“It must also be remembered that he completely dismissed the allegations against him,” added Trump, a statement incredibly similar to what he made when he met Roy Moore, Brett Kavanaugh, Bill O’Reilly and Rob Porter defended his own secretary in the White House. (CNN detailed some of Trump’s defenses in 2018.)
Trump has also rushed to defend Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who is accused of ignoring several college wrestlers who complained to him about the sexual abuse or misconduct of the team doctor when Jordan was their coach was.
“I don’t believe them at all. I believe him, “said Trump of Jordan and called him” one of the most outstanding people I have met since my stay in Washington. I believe him 100%. Not a question on my mind. I believe Jim Jordan 100%. He is an excellent man. “
And Trump defended the late Roger Ailes, who faced sexual harassment allegations that ended his career as CEO and chairman of Fox News. “I can tell you that some of the women who have complained I know how much he’s helped them, and even lately,” Trump said in Ailes’ defense.
Speaking in defense of Roy Moore, who is charged with child rape and sexual assault, Trump said, “When you look at all of the things that have happened in the past 48 hours. He totally denies it. He says it didn’t happen. And look, you have to look at him too. “
Trump defended Rob Porter by saying, “He says he’s innocent and I think it’s got to be remembered.” And: “He said very strongly yesterday that he is innocent, but you have to talk to him about that.”
Of Bill O’Reilly, Trump said, “I don’t think Bill did anything wrong.”
In 2018, Vox reported on “a passage from Bob Woodward’s new book Fear:”
Trump gave private advice to a friend who had admitted bad behavior towards women. Real power is fear. It’s all about strength. Never show weakness. You always have to be strong. Don’t be bullied. There is no choice.
“You have to deny, deny, deny and push back these women,” he said. “If you admit something and any fault, then you are dead. That was a big mistake you made. You didn’t come out with your guns blazing and just challenged them. You showed weakness. You have to be strong. You have to be aggressive. You have to push back hard. You have to deny everything that has been said about you. Never admit it. “
Trump has been accused of sexual assault or sexual misconduct by dozens of women.
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