Trump’s sexual harassment accusers ‘should be heard’

The women who accused US President Donald Trump of sexual harassment “should be heard,” his UN envoy said in an interview aired on Sunday.  

Nikki Haley said she is “incredibly proud” of the wave of women who have come forward with allegations against US politicians and film industry figures in recent weeks, in an interview with the “Face the Nation” programme on CBS.  

“I think it will start to bring a conscience to the situation, not just in politics ... And I think the time has come,” Haley said.  

Asked about accusations levelled against Trump, Haley said it was “the same thing” and “women who accuse anyone should be heard.”  

“And I think any woman who has felt violated or felt mistreated in any way, they have every right to speak up,” Haley said.   Asked if Trump being elected means the issue of accusations against him is settled, as White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders has said, Haley answered, “That’s for the people to decide.”  

“ ... you know, women should always feel comfortable coming forward. And we should all be willing to listen to them,” Haley said.   Democrat Al Franken was one of two lawmakers to leave Congress this week in the widening viral backlash against sexual harassment and assault.  

He called it ironic that he was resigning, while Trump has bragged about being able to grope women and Senate candidate Roy Moore has the support of the Republican Party despite accusations of molesting teenage girls.
New York (dpa)