The Moment Trump Altered American Politics

The “Access Hollywood” tape, featuring Donald Trump making lewd comments about women, continues to haunt him as it resurfaces in a hush money criminal trial in New York. Despite the tape’s release in 2016, Trump defied political gravity and was elected president, a moment that still baffles many.

The tape, recorded in 2005 and leaked just before the 2016 election, shows Trump bragging about being able to grope women because he’s a star. The revelation led to calls for him to drop out of the race, even from prominent Republicans like Sen. Mike Lee and then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. Trump’s wife, Melania, expressed disgust at the comments, although she later dismissed them as “boy talk.”

Trump issued a rare apology, admitting to the authenticity of the tape but refusing to leave the race. The tape resurfaced in a recent trial where prosecutors allege Trump and his former fixer, Michael Cohen, paid off adult-film star Stormy Daniels to influence the election. Trump’s denial of the tape’s authenticity and attempts to parse his words have only added to the controversy.

The “Access Hollywood” tape remains a pivotal moment in Trump’s political career, showcasing his ability to survive scandals that would have ended other politicians’ careers. Despite the tape’s impact on his reputation, Trump’s loyal base of supporters continues to stand by him, making loyalty to Trump a key factor in Republican politics.