Fact check: How many times has Trump been accused of misconduct against women sexual abuse?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the comprehensive analyses provided, at least 25 women have accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct spanning from the 1970s to 2013 ^[1]. The allegations encompass a wide range of misconduct including:

• Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment ^[1]
• Forcible kissing and groping ^[2]
• Walking into pageant dressing rooms while contestants were changing ^{[2] [1]}
• Inappropriate touching and unwanted kissing across various settings including pageants, business meetings, and social events ^[2]

Key legal developments include the E. Jean Carroll case, where Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in May 2023, resulting in a $5 million verdict that was subsequently upheld by a federal appeals court ^{[3] [4] [5]}. The jury rejected the rape claim but confirmed sexual abuse and defamation ^[5].

A significant piece of evidence frequently cited is the 2005 Access Hollywood tape, where Trump was recorded making lewd comments about sexually assaulting women, which courts noted as corroborating the women's testimonies and establishing a pattern of behavior ^{[2] [1] [3]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question focuses solely on Trump but omits the broader context that several of Trump's potential Cabinet nominees have also faced sexual misconduct allegations, including Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Linda McMahon, Elon Musk, and Matt Gaetz ^[6]. This pattern suggests a systemic issue within Trump's political circle that extends beyond his personal allegations.

The analyses reveal that these allegations span multiple decades and various contexts - from beauty pageants to business settings to social events ^[2] - indicating a consistent pattern of behavior rather than isolated incidents.

Trump and his legal team would benefit from minimizing the scope and credibility of these allegations, as they directly impact his political viability and legal standing. Conversely, political opponents and advocacy groups would benefit from highlighting the extensive nature of these accusations to demonstrate unfitness for office.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual in seeking specific numbers, showing no apparent bias or misinformation. However, it could be considered incomplete as it doesn't acknowledge the legal consequences that have already been established - specifically the Carroll verdict where Trump was found liable for sexual abuse ^{[3] [4] [5]}.

The question's framing as "accused of" might inadvertently downplay that at least one case has moved beyond mere accusation to legal liability, with a federal court upholding the verdict and rejecting Trump's claims of trial misconduct ^[3].