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What are the most notable cases of women accusing Donald Trump of sexual misconduct?
Executive summary
Since the 1970s dozens of women have publicly accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct — reporting ranges from “at least 18” to “roughly 27” or more, and some outlets say “dozens” or “more than 40” depending on what allegations they include [1] [2] [3] [4]. The most legally consequential claim so far resulted in a civil jury finding Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll (reported in coverage of related litigation) while many other accusations described groping, unwanted kissing, and other aggressive sexual behavior [2] [5] [6].
1. A long, contested roster — how many accusers and why counts vary
Different outlets count different totals because they use different cutoffs (public accusations, statutory definitions of assault, or allegations collected in books and interviews). ABC framed the tally as “at least 18” women as of 2020 [1], Axios described Stacey Williams as the “27th” accuser in late 2024 [2], and other reporting and books compile “dozens” or dozens-plus allegations, some reaching into the 40s when unpublished interviews and claims compiled in books are included [3] [4] [5]. The variance reflects editorial choices about what to include and whether settlements, recanted claims, or less-detailed accounts are counted [5] [6].
2. The most widely reported, high‑profile accusers and claims
Journalistic timelines and compilations repeatedly highlight a group of well-known accusers and episodes: E. Jean Carroll’s allegation of assault in a department‑store dressing room (which resulted in a civil finding of liability for sexual abuse and defamation in reported coverage), Jessica Drake and Rachel Crooks among those who went public in 2016, and multiple models and pageant contestants who described unwanted groping, kissing, or being ogled [2] [6] [7]. Coverage also documents accounts alleging events at public venues — for example, an alleged incident at the US Open and other encounters in VIP settings [8].
3. Legal outcomes: limited criminal exposure, some civil findings
Available sources report that Trump has not been criminally charged for sexual misconduct but that civil litigation has produced meaningful outcomes. The Axios summary notes a jury found him liable in a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll for sexual abuse and defamation, though reporting clarifies the jury did not determine rape in that verdict [2]. Other accusers have pursued lawsuits that were settled, withdrawn, or remained unresolved in court records or reporting [5] [2].
4. Pattern, context and compilations by reporters and authors
Investigations and books such as All the President’s Women gathered dozens of interviews and added many accounts to public lists; outlets like The Guardian and Business Insider produced timelines and lists to show what reporters called a “pattern” of behavior spanning decades [8] [6] [9]. Journalists and researchers point out recurring themes in the allegations — unwanted groping, kissing, and intrusive sexual behavior — and emphasize the volume and similarity of stories even where many have not resulted in court judgments [8] [9].
5. Denials, pushback, and political framing
Trump has consistently denied all allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated or false and promising legal countermeasures in some instances; his defenders have framed many accusations as partisan or unreliable [5]. Media reports note that Trump’s own 2005 “Access Hollywood” tape — in which he boasts about grabbing women — heightened public scrutiny and spurred additional women to come forward in 2016 and afterward [6] [2].
6. Limitations in the public record and what reporting does not say
Available sources do not provide a single, definitive list that all outlets accept; counts and characterizations differ by outlet and by whether books, anonymous interviews, or recanted claims are included [5] [3]. Sources do not claim a complete inventory of every allegation that may exist in private files, and some reporting flags that compilations rely on interviews, which can include disputed details or claims later settled or withdrawn [9] [7].
7. Why this matters now: politics, courts and public scrutiny
Reporters emphasize the ongoing relevance of these allegations because civil findings (notably Carroll’s) intersect with active legal appeals and political contests; outlets covering Trump’s candidacy and appointments also point out that accusations have shaped public debate about fitness and accountability [2] [10]. At the same time, some outlets stress journalistic restraint — differentiating between allegations, legal findings, settled claims, and denials — which explains varied presentation across publications [1] [8].
If you want, I can produce a sourced, side‑by‑side list of the most‑reported individual accusers named in these pieces (E. Jean Carroll, Jessica Drake, Rachel Crooks, Samantha Holvey, Jessica Leeds, Stacey Williams, Jill Harth, Karen Johnson, etc.) with a one‑line summary and the source that discusses each allegation.