Former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter hands a document to President Donald Trump P’00.
On February 9, President Donald Trump P’00 praised former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter despite accusations of domestic abuse by Porter’s two ex-wives. Porter had resigned from his position just two days previously, after his former spouses, Colbie Holderness and Jennifer Willoughby, stated that they had been emotionally and physically abused by him throughout their respective marriages. Holderness also released an image of her bruised and swollen face to The Intercept in response to her interview, further legitimizing the allegations. Mr. Trump’s praise of an accused domestic abuser is another example of what is an extensive pattern of condoning violence against women.
When speaking of the accusations against Porter and his subsequent resignation, Mr. Trump vouched for his staff secretary rather than condemning his horrific behavior. According to Mr. Trump, Porter is going through a “tough time,” which is the President’s way of excusing and trivializing domestic abuse. Furthermore, he stated that “we wish him well” and reminded the people that Porter “says he is innocent, and I think you have to remember that.” Mr. Trump also praised the work Porter had completed during his time in office. The President apparently has nothing negative to say about a man who has emotionally and physically abused at least two women. Nor did he offer sympathy for the victims or solidarity with the larger, national movement in protest of abuse of women. Why does our president refuse to condemn this kind of violence? The answer is obvious––Mr. Trump can’t condemn violence against women because he supports it.
In the past, we have witnessed Trump’s sexist notions come into play numerous times. Perhaps the most notorious example of this behavior is the 2005 Billy Bush tape. Though I won’t restate the disgusting, immoral words of Mr. Trump, as they are already permanently ingrained in our memories, I will remind you again of the gravity of that tape. In it, the President-to-be condones, supports, and jokes about sexual assault. Over time, many Americans have forgotten about the Billy Bush tape, but it is perhaps one of the most critical examples of how Mr. Trump blatantly doesn’t care about women’s safety or health. Second, Mr. Trump defended and vouched for Republican Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, a man accused of molesting numerous young girls. Again, he supported an individual known for abusing women, even minors. Last, Mr. Trump himself has been accused of rape and assault by at least 13 women, and his first wife, Ivana Trump, accused him of domestic assault in their divorce papers. So, not only does he condone violence against women, but Mr. Trump also inflicts violence on women; therefore, he is both a supporter and a perpetrator.
Because of these examples, I was nowhere near surprised that Mr. Trump only had lovely things to say about Rob Porter. Though that is disheartening, no one can deny that the presidential endorsement of sexism and violence against women has become a norm in the U.S. However, the fact that it’s now a norm should not prevent the government from pursuing some real justice in the White House for the women who can speak up and those who cannot.
Just as we are thoroughly investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, we should be thoroughly investigating the allegations against Mr. Trump. Harvey Weinstein witnessed the end of his career, Al Franken resigned, Roy Moore lost, Rob Porter resigned––so what about Mr. Trump? Where is the justice for the 13––or more––women who were assaulted by the president? Mr. Trump must stand trial, however informal, for his actions in order to progress toward a more equal and safe United States for all women.
