One of Donald Trump’s most high-profile supporters has appeared to question the importance of sexual consent.

Right-wing talk show host Rush Limbaugh told his radio show “the left” was too concerned about consensual sex.

He sarcastically suggested "the rape police" would object to situations to where "there's no consent".

"The left will promote and understand and tolerate anything, as long as there is one element. Do you know what it is? Consent," Mr Limbaugh said.

"If there is consent on both or all three or all four, however many are involved in the sex act, it's perfectly fine – whatever it is. But if the left ever senses and smells that there's no consent in part of the equation then here come the rape police.

“Consent is the magic key to the left."

He accused left-wing people of supporting a culture that “rejects moral standards” and said consent was “the magic word, the only thing that matters in American sexual mores today”.

But social media users rushed to point out that Mr Limbaugh’s real issue appeared to be not with "the rape police" but with the actual police – and the US law they enforce.

Chapter 47 of US Code 10 states any sexual act that occurs “without the knowledge or consent” of the other party constitutes a crime.

The talk show host has previously argued Mr Trump’s boasts that his celebrity status means he can “do anything” to women, including kiss them without permission and “grab them by the p****”, could not constitute sexual assault.

He said: "How can there can be assault if somebody's granting permission? How can it be assault if they let you do anything?"

Mr Limbaugh is a controversial figure in US politics. He has previously suggested African-American people hate the USA, called homosexuality “detrimental and destructive” and said feminism was established “to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society”.

It comes as Mr Trump continues to be plagued by allegations of sexism and sexual assault.

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Since a leaked 2005 tape showed him talking about groping females, a number of women have come forward to claim they were attacked by the billionaire businessman.