Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand described a tweet by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, which said she would « do anything » for campaign donations, as a « sexist smear. »
Dec. 12 (UPI) — Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand described a tweet by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, which said she would « do anything » for campaign donations, as a « sexist smear. »
In the tweet, Trump said Gillibrand, D-N.Y., asked him for campaign donations before he was elected president. He sent the post after Gillibrand called for the president to resign due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
« Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a total flunky for Chuck Schumer and someone who would come to my office « begging » for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them), is now in the ring fighting against Trump. Very disloyal to Bill & Crooked-USED! » Trump wrote.
Gillibrand responded to the tweet at a news conference on Tuesday, condemning Trump’s remark that she « would do anything » for donations.
« It was a sexist smear attempting to silence my voice, and I will not be silenced on this issue. Neither will the women who stood up to the president yesterday, » she said.
Three women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct held a news conference in New York on Monday, calling for Congress to « put aside party affiliations and investigate Trump’s history of sexual misconduct. »
« Their voices also will not be silenced and neither will the millions of women and men who have marched against the president and his policies, » Gillibrand said of the three women.
The White House denied Gillibrand’s assertion that the tweet was sexist, stating it could only be interpreted as innuendo « if your mind is in the gutter. »
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump’s comment that Gillibrand « would do anything » for campaign donations was intended as a critique of the current campaign finance system and special interests. She said it is not sexist because the president has used the language in reference to male and female lawmakers.
« He’s talking about the way our system functions as it is, » she said. « Politicians repeatedly beg for money… there’s no way it’s sexist at all. »
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., responded to Trump’s tweet by warning him of the implications of inciting Gillibrand.
« Are you really trying to bully, intimidate and slut-shame [Gillibrand]? Do you know who you’re picking a fight with? Good luck with that [Trump], » she wrote.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said the sexist behavior was in Trump’s nature.
« He’s a misogynist and admitted sexual predator and a liar. The only thing that will stop him from attacking us, because nobody is safe, is his resignation, » Wyden said.
