Being elected president shortly after surviving the publication of the leaked “Access Hollywood” tape in 2016 is the moment in which Donald Trump defied political gravity. A politician was heard on tape saying truly disgusting things about women and yet was still elevated by voters to the highest office. Trump’s ability to survive that embarrassing episode echoes in his reascendance to the Republican presidential nomination for a third time, despite losing the 2020 election and then trying to overturn the results.
The Shocking Tape
The ‘Access Hollywood’ tape, recorded in 2005, became a central point of discussion during the 2016 presidential campaign. In the tape, Trump is heard making lewd comments about women to then-“Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush. When it was leaked to The Washington Post on October 7, 2016, it sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Trump boasted about his ability to grope women, stating, “When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab ‘em by the p****.”
Immediate Fallout
The fallout from the tape was immediate. Multiple Republicans, including some who now fully support Trump, called on him to drop out of the race. Figures like Senator Mike Lee and then-House Speaker Paul Ryan expressed disgust at the comments. Even within Trump’s inner circle, there was a belief that many Republican lawmakers wanted him off the ticket. His own wife, Melania Trump, publicly expressed her disgust, though she later dismissed it as “boy talk.”
Trump’s Rare Apology
In a rare move, Trump issued an apology, admitting the comments were his and taking responsibility for them. However, he made it clear that he would not withdraw from the race. This marked one of the few instances where Trump publicly apologized during his political career.
The Surprises of 2016
While Trump’s “Access Hollywood” scandal rocked the 2016 campaign, his opponent, Hillary Clinton, faced her own challenges, including the FBI’s investigation into her handling of classified emails. Despite winning the popular vote, Clinton ultimately lost the election, surprising many.
The Return of the Tape
The “Access Hollywood” tape resurfaced in legal battles against Trump, particularly in cases related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors alleged that Trump and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, orchestrated these payments to influence the 2016 election. Cohen’s imprisonment for campaign finance violations shed light on Trump’s involvement.
Trump’s Defense and Revisionism
Trump has since questioned whether it was his voice on the tape, attempting to downplay his remarks. He has misquoted the tape, stating that he said, “women let you,” instead of “grab.” Additionally, Trump’s allies have framed the “Access Hollywood” moment as a test of loyalty, separating those who stand by him from those who do not.
The Tape’s Lingering Impact
While the “Access Hollywood” tape showcases Trump’s ability to survive political scandals, it has also haunted him in other ways. The tape was referenced in a deposition for a defamation case brought by E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault. Trump was ordered to pay more than $80 million in damages for defaming her, further highlighting the tape’s lasting consequences.
Conclusion
The “Access Hollywood” tape remains a defining moment in Trump’s political career, symbolizing his ability to defy conventional political norms. While it initially seemed like a crisis for his campaign, Trump’s survival of the scandal has become emblematic of his resilience. However, the tape continues to haunt him, resurfacing in legal battles and public perception. As Trump’s political future unfolds, the tape’s legacy will undoubtedly persist, shaping the narrative of his presidency and beyond.