Trump Dares to Question Graham Platner's Sexual Assault Claims Amid Campaign Suspension

President Donald Trump threw shade on the sexual assault allegations against Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate nominee from Maine, who announced the suspension of his campaign.

“It’s really a question of whether or not you believe the woman,” Trump stated aboard Air Force One. “A lot of people say big falsehoods.”

Reports surfaced that Platner allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, who is 41 years old. She claimed that in 2021, Platner entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her.

In a video released Wednesday, Platner denied the allegations but still opted to exit the Senate race.

Trump suggested that a woman who previously raised concerns about Platner was ignored due to her political ties.

“It’s very interesting, when a Republican woman came out with the same charge nobody believed her,” Trump remarked, referencing allegations from Platner’s former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, who detailed troubling behavior by Platner to The New York Times last month.

When pressed on whether Democrats should be allowed to replace Platner before Election Day, Trump dodged a clear response. Maine law requires Platner to resign by July 13, while the party has until July 27 to find a replacement.

“I would imagine he’s going to lose,” Trump said, despite his own history of sexual assault allegations and a recent $5 million judgment against him for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll.

Platner’s campaign has been marred by scandals, including resurfaced racist remarks and reports of sending explicit texts to women outside his marriage. He also covered up a tattoo on his chest that was recognized as a Nazi symbol.

Challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Platner faced mounting pressure to withdraw from the race, including calls from the Maine Democratic Party and prominent figures like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

The Democrats view the seat as crucial for Senate control, leading to speculation about potential replacements for Platner.

The Maine Democratic Party announced plans for a convention to replace Platner if he steps down.

Actor Patrick Dempsey and Substack author Heather Cox Richardson both publicly stated they would not seek to replace Platner.