safety
Donald Trump says woman who accused Graham Platner of rape could be lying
By Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation
· July 9, 2026
· 2 min read
A video is circulating on social media of Donald Trump seemingly defending Graham Platner, who stepped down Wednesday night as Maine's Democratic Senate candidate after a woman he used to date credibly accused him of rape. "It's really a question of whether or not you believe the woman," Trump told
Key takeaway A judge recently rejected Trump's bid not to pay the $5.
Why this matters
Donald Trump's comments on the rape allegation against Graham Platner highlight the stark contrast in his treatment of individuals accused of sexual assault. Prior to the allegation, Trump referred to Platner as a "pig", but after the accusation surfaced, he shifted his focus to questioning the credibility of the woman. This pattern of behavior is consistent with Trump's own history of facing numerous sexual assault allegations, with at least 27 women accusing him of sexual impropriety. Trump's recent liability for sexual abuse and admission to sexually assaulting women in the past further underscore his complicated relationship with issues of sexual violence. The national implications of Trump's comments are significant, as they may contribute to a culture of doubt and skepticism towards survivors of sexual assault, potentially discouraging others from coming forward. The Trevor Project and National LGBTQ Task Force remain vital resources for those affected by such incidents.
About this story
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A video is circulating on social media of Donald Trump seemingly defending Graham Platner, who stepped down Wednesday night as Maine's Democratic Senate candidate after a woman he used to date credibly accused him of rape. "It's really a question of whether or not you believe the woman," Trump told
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .