Trump offers baffling theory that 'four or five' women were paid to accuse him of sexual misconduct, says Sean Hannity can prove it
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
President Trump held a rare solo press conference Wednesday, where he said that "fake" sexual misconduct allegations against him have shaped his view of accusations regarding Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
"I've been accused," said Trump, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by at least 10 women, saying that "false charges" have "absolutely" affected his sympathy toward Kavanaugh. Three women have accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.
Trump complained that The New York Times published a story with allegations from "four or five women" who he says were "paid a lot of money to make up stories about me." If you want the real story, said Trump, check with Fox News or host Sean Hannity. MSNBC's Chris Hayes called the theory "Alex Jones-level stuff," akin to the conspiracy theories on Jones' Infowars. "People want fame," said Trump of the accusers. "They want money."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
When pressed by the reporter, CBS News' Weijia Jiang, who pointed out that he hadn't allowed her to get to her question, Trump said "you've been asking a question for 10 minutes. Please sit down." Watch the moment below, via Fox News. Summer Meza
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
The 9 best steroid-free players who should be in the Baseball Hall of Famein depth These athletes’ exploits were both real and spectacular
-
‘Bad Bunny’s music feels inclusive and exclusive at the same time’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
What to watch on TV this Februarythe week recommends An animated lawyers show, a post-apocalyptic family reunion and a revival of an early aughts comedy classic
-
Japan’s Takaichi cements power with snap election winSpeed Read President Donald Trump congratulated the conservative prime minister
-
Trump sues IRS for $10B over tax record leaksSpeed Read The president is claiming ‘reputational and financial harm’ from leaks of his tax information between 2018 and 2020
-
Trump, Senate Democrats reach DHS funding dealSpeed Read The deal will fund most of the government through September and the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks
-
Fed holds rates steady, bucking Trump pressureSpeed Read The Federal Reserve voted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged
-
Judge slams ICE violations amid growing backlashSpeed Read ‘ICE is not a law unto itself,’ said a federal judge after the agency violated at least 96 court orders
-
Rep. Ilhan Omar attacked with unknown liquidSpeed Read This ‘small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work’
-
Democrats pledge Noem impeachment if not firedSpeed Read Trump is publicly defending the Homeland Security secretary
-
The billionaires’ wealth tax: a catastrophe for California?Talking Point Peter Thiel and Larry Page preparing to change state residency
