President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that embattled Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner was “in a bind” but added that the seriousness of the situation hinged on whether “you believe the woman” after Platner faced a strongly corroborated accusation of sexual assault.
The president made the comments Wednesday evening as he gaggled with reporters on Air Force One as he returned to the U.S. from Ankara, Turkey, where he attended the Nato summit this week.
Trump was asked by reporters if Platner should be made to withdraw from the race after a woman he previously dated came forward with her experience of Platner coming into her home uninvited and forcing himself upon her. Her account was corroborated by contemporary remarks to friends, as well as a therapist.
He said that Maine Democrats were facing a tough situation, but also appeared to suggest that there was room for people to believe Platner’s denials over the woman’s account.
“It’s really a question of whether or not you believe the woman,” Trump told reporters. “A lot of people say big falsehoods. It’s– he’s in a bind.”
“Should they be able to [force him out]? Well, I guess he’s going to lose,” added the president. “It’s very interesting, when a Republican woman came out with the same charge, nobody believed her. When this woman came out, everybody believed her.”
This is a breaking news report. More to follow.
