International Women’s Day is upon us. This year, it feels more important than ever. Probably because our president, Donald J. Trump, has been known to brag about sexual assault, attributing it to “locker room talk.” Oh, and dozens of women have come forward accusing him of unwanted sexual advances.
But Trump loves women! We know that because he, of course, tweeted it.
I have tremendous respect for women and the many roles they serve that are vital to the fabric of our society and our economy.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 8, 2017
On International Women’s Day, join me in honoring the critical role of women here in America & around the world.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 8, 2017
Does this rhetoric sound familiar? Maybe ever defensive? As The Washington Post pointed out, this isn’t Trump’s first time assuring the American people that, despite his terrible history with women.
Remember when Trump made fun of fellow GOP candidate Carly Fiorina’s appearance in October 2015? Afterwards, he made sure Americans knew he loved women. “I respect women more than I respect men…I have great respect, admiration, and I cherish women.”
Or when Trump commented that Fox News personality Megyn Kelly had “blood coming out of her wherever?” Not to fear, because he said, “I cherish women. I want to help women. I’m going to do things for women that no other candidate will be able to do.” He clearly cherishes women, isn’t it obvious? He’s told us at least 21 times since the start of his 2016 campaign, according to the Post’s tally.
Trump even made sure we knew he had “great respect for women” after the Hot Mic “Access Hollywood” video was leaked. “I have great respect for women,” Trump assured us. “Nobody has more respect for women than I do. I’ve said things that, frankly, you hear these things I said. And I was embarrassed by it. But I have tremendous respect for women. And women have respect for me.”
After The New York Times reported on several women who claimed Trump had advanced upon them in an unwanted way, Trump was understandably “furious.” Because, you know, he Just. Loves. Women. “There’s nobody that respects women more than I do,” Trump explained. “You know that. And I treat women with respect.”
You can read more about Trump’s constant reassurances and defenses of how much he freaking loves and cherishes the women—the same ones he’s also been accused of sexually assaulting—here. Because don’t all men who respect women say “If Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I would be dating her”? Then later say “she’s got the best body”? Sexualizing your own daughter is what respect is all about.