congress 'I believe the president': GOP stands by Trump on sexual assault allegation Republicans are dismissing E. Jean Carroll's accusation — the latest of more than a dozen against Trump.

Republicans believe Donald Trump. They’re not so sure about the woman.

The president’s GOP allies in Congress are moving swiftly to dismiss new allegations of rape against him, arguing journalist E. Jean Carroll is eager to promote her new book and that Trump’s denial of the alleged attack is credible.


“Quite honestly, as somebody who had a front-row seat to the Kavanaugh hearings, we’ve seen allegations that were false,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). “We’ll let the facts go where they are, but I take [Trump’s] statement at face value.”

“Many times when folks have made these allegations, they’re also promoting a book,” said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.). “The accuser and the accused need to be treated with respect and they each need to be afforded due process. Just because you’re accused of something in America doesn’t mean you’re guilty.”

The latest allegation, summarily dismissed by Trump on Monday, is just the latest in more than a dozen other allegations that have dogged the president and put his party in an awkward spot.





POLITICO Playbook newsletter Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletter in politics Email Sign Up By signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or alerts from POLITICO. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Republicans fled from Trump during the 2016 campaign, when an “Access Hollywood” tape revealed the president bragging about sexual assault. But since he was elected, they have largely stood by the president amid the drip-drip of allegations of misconduct over the years.

Carroll’s claim that the president raped her in a dressing room 23 years ago is no different for many members of the GOP. Trump said she’s “not my type” and that he didn’t do it, and the Republican Party is generally sticking with him.

“All I would say: We live in an environment where people can come forward. That’s good. But allegations like this have to be cautiously reviewed,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) with a slight eye roll. Trump was “firm. Unequivocal. I have no reason not to” believe him.

Retiring Rep. Susan Brooks, head of recruitment efforts for the House GOP’s campaign arm, said she wasn’t following the controversy closely. But the Indiana lawmaker — one of just 13 Republican women in the House — did say that she has heard “there are huge, significant issues about [Carroll’s] credibility.”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said that he believes Trump’s denial of the allegations but declined to weigh in any further.

“I’ve never met her, I understand what the president said, so I know nothing more about this issue,” the California Republican told reporters during a weekly news conference. “I know the president said this is not true.”

When pressed on whether he believes Trump, McCarthy responded, “Yes, I believe the president.” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) declined to address the allegations at his weekly news conference.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he believed President Donald Trump's denial of sexual assault allegations. | Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

There was, however, some unease in the GOP with the president’s defense this week. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said that Trump’s “not my type” remark was “extremely bizarre.”

“Seemed like a weird way to dismiss something, but it’s not a usual president,” conceded Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).

And several Senate Republicans, including Sens. Joni Ernist of Iowa, Mike Braun of Indiana and Mitt Romney of Utah, said the allegations should be taken seriously. That doesn’t mean they doubt the president, but they were taking great pains to avoid summarily dismissing Carroll’s specific claims, which included allegations against other powerful men.

“Anybody that makes an accusation like that should come forward, but there obviously has to be some additional information. They need to interview her, they need to visit with him,” said Ernst, who said earlier this year that she was raped in college.

“The accusation is of a very serious nature. And it deserves to be considered and evaluated,” Romney said. “The president indicated that this [did] not occur and that’s, I think, the strongest point.”

Trump’s alleged sexual assaults are certainly not a favorite topic of discussion for the GOP.

Politico spoke to 16 Republican senators and a half-dozen House members, the majority of whom offered little on the subject. Manydeclined to comment and continued on their day, and several said that they were unaware of the allegations and had seen news coverage only in passing.

“I don’t know anything about that. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

“The president has denied it. He’s spoken on it,” offered Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming. “I have nothing else to add.”

Marianne LeVine contributed to this report.

