President Trump issued a blistering rebuke of an accusation of rape that allegedly took place 23 years ago.

E. Jean Carroll. (julieannesmo/Wikimedia Commons)

E. Jean Carroll, an Elle magazine advice columnist, accused Trump of raping her in the dressing room of an upscale department store in the 1990s. She detailed the encounter in a cover story she wrote for New York magazine.

Trump responded late afternoon on Friday, "Regarding the 'story' by E. Jean Carroll, claiming she once encountered me at Bergdorf Goodman 23 years ago. I’ve never met this person in my life. She is trying to sell a new book—that should indicate her motivation. It should be sold in the fiction section."

The president further evoked similarly aged accusations made against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings. In a statement shared by the White House, Trump delivered a scathing criticism of the media. "Shame on those who make up false stories of assault to try to get publicity for themselves, or sell a book, or carry out a political agenda — like Julie Swetnick who falsely accused Justice Brett Kavanaugh," Trump said. "It’s just as bad for people to believe it, particularly when there is zero evidence. Worse still for a dying publication to try to prop itself up by peddling fake news—it’s an epidemic."

Trump continued, "Ms. Carroll & New York Magazine: No pictures? No surveillance? No video? No reports? No sales attendants around?? I would like to thank Bergdorf Goodman for confirming they have no video footage of any such incident, because it never happened."

In conclusion, Trump asked people to let him know if they find any information to suggest Carroll or New York magazine is working with the Democrats at a time when he is seeking reelection in 2020.

"False accusations diminish the severity of real assault. All should condemn false accusations and any actual assault in the strongest possible terms. If anyone has information that the Democratic Party is working with Ms. Carroll or New York Magazine, please notify us as soon as possible. The world should know what’s really going on. It is a disgrace and people should pay dearly for such false accusations," Trump said.