In a stunning monologue during his Between The Scenes segment, The Daily Show’s host Trevor Noah shared a poignant realization: Trump is using victimhood to appeal to his base. This has been especially obvious this week as our president mocks Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and repeats how it’s apparently a scary time for men because they could be accused of sexual assault and their lives could be ruined.
And unfortunately, this way of thinking will definitely speak to some men as the #MeToo movement demands accountability from perpetrators of sexual assault. “[Trump] knows how to offer victimhood to people who have the least claim to it, which is a really, really powerful tool,” Noah explained. He later goes further, “If you can convince people that they are, in fact, the victims when they are in a position of power, then you have the most powerful tool that you can wield.”
Noah’s observation is as incredible as is the truth within it frustrating. Trump is discounting the experiences of victims and further shaming them from coming forward with their painful experiences. And at the same time, he is empowering the accused, which will only cast further doubt on the victims. It’s heartbreaking and it’s not fair to the real victims of sexual assault.
Watch the full clip below.