MSNBC political analyst Anand Giridharadas had some choice words for President Donald Trump, accusing him of promoting “rape culture” in the United States.
“This is a rape culture presidency and Donald Trump has become the commander in chief of American rape culture,” Giridharadas told Joy Reid on her program “AMJoy” on Sunday.
The discussion focused on President Trump’s defense of his former staff secretary Rob Porter, who has been accused by two ex-wives of domestic violence. During his remarks at the Oval Office Friday, Trump said that Porter’s denials needed to be taken at face value.
“He says he’s innocent and I think you have to remember that,” said Trump. “We absolutely wish him well. Did a very good job while he was at the White House.”
Trump’s remarks didn’t go over well with Giridharadas.
“This week was a turning point because I think we’re starting to realize that Trumpism doesn’t merely tolerate sexual abuse, sexual abuse is a very apt metaphor for everything Trumpism is,” he said. “The cultivation of fear in everyone, the insistence that people are loving it, when you are actually degrading and dehumanizing and making their lives harder.”
Giridharadas also called White House counselor Kellyanne Conway a “monster” who would “do anything for money.”
In addition to Porter, the Washington Post reported Friday evening that a second Trump official, speechwriter David Sorensen, had also departed the West Wing over news that he had been abusive towards his wife during their tw0-and-a-half year marriage. Like Porter, Sorensen has maintained his innocence.