Donald Trump’s lewd comments about women—from a 2005 conversation published on Friday—proved a step too far for some Republicans who called for the GOP presidential nominee to drop out of the race.
Many Republicans quickly condemned the remarks, in which Trump brags about hitting on a married woman and groping women, saying “you can do anything” to women “when you’re a star.” The recording was published Friday by the Washington Post.
“Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am,” Trump said in an apology video early Saturday morning, calling the footage a “distraction” from important issues. “I said it, I was wrong, and I apologize.”
Several GOP leaders said they will no longer vote for Trump, as others called for him to step down. Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz said in a CNN interview that he can no longer support Trump, calling his comments “abhorrent” and criticizing his apology as insufficient.
New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who had supported Trump, said she will write in vice presidential candidate Mike Pence on election day.
“I’m a mom and an American first, and I cannot and will not support a candidate for president who brags about degrading and assaulting women,” Ayotte said in a statement.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who had long withheld his endorsement, said Saturday that he will not support Trump on Election Day.
“Nothing that has happened in the last 48 hours is surprising to me or many others,” Kasich said in a statement. “The actions of the last day are disgusting, but that’s not why I reached this decision, it has been an accumulation of his words and actions that many have been warning about. I will not vote for a nominee who has behaved in a manner that reflects so poorly on our country. Our country deserves better.”
These are some of the Republicans who have called for Trump to drop out:
South Dakota Sen. John Thune:
Donald Trump should withdraw and Mike Pence should be our nominee effective immediately.
— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) October 8, 2016
Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk:
.@realDonaldTrump should drop out. @GOP should engage rules for emergency replacement.
— Mark Kirk (@SenatorKirk) October 8, 2016
Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse:
Character matters.@realDonaldTrump is obviously not going to win.
But he can still make an honorable move:
Step aside & let Mike Pence try.— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) October 8, 2016
Utah Sen. Mike Lee:
https://www.facebook.com/mikeleeUT/videos/10154626306667431/
Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake:
.@realDonaldTrump is wrong about his level of support. He needs to withdraw from the race. https://t.co/sv7K3qmF1w
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) October 8, 2016
Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer:
The comments made by Mr. Trump were disgusting and totally unacceptable under any circumstance. (1/2)
— Deb Fischer (@DebforNebraska) October 8, 2016
It would be wise for him to step aside and allow Mike Pence to serve as our party's nominee. (2/2)
— Deb Fischer (@DebforNebraska) October 8, 2016
Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo:
I can no longer endorse Donald Trump. Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/lfa9mYZbdC
— Senator Mike Crapo (@MikeCrapo) October 8, 2016
Former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina:
My thoughts: pic.twitter.com/1ck3UddzdR
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) October 8, 2016
Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman:
“For the good of the country, and to give the Republicans a chance of defeating Hillary Clinton, Mr. Trump should step aside,” Coffman said in a statement, according to CBS Denver. “His defeat at this point seems almost certain. And four years of Hillary Clinton is not what is best for this country. Mr. Trump should put the country first and do the right thing.”
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman
“In a campaign cycle that has been nothing but a race to the bottom — at such a critical moment for our nation — and with so many who have tried to be respectful of a record primary vote, the time has come for Governor Pence to lead the ticket,” Huntsman told the Salt Lake Tribune.
Former New York Gov. George Pataki:
https://twitter.com/GovernorPataki/status/784567126984126464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Rob Engstrom, national political director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and former director of the Division of Political Education at the Republican National Committee:
Trump should step down immediately tonight, yielding to Governor Pence as the GOP Nominee.
— Rob Engstrom (@RobEngstrom) October 8, 2016
Republican strategist John Weaver:
https://twitter.com/JWGOP/status/784513459845206017
https://twitter.com/JWGOP/status/784563806269796353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
A.J. Spiker, former chairman of Iowa’s Republican Party:
Donald Trump should resign as the Republican nominee for president, he brags about sexuality harassing women. He is unfit for public office
— AJ Spiker (@AJSpiker) October 7, 2016
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Martin Daugaard:
Enough is enough. Donald Trump should withdraw in favor of Governor Mike Pence. This election is too important.
— Dennis Daugaard (@SDGovDaugaard) October 8, 2016
Hugh Hewitt, a conservative radio host who previously endorsed Trump:
For the benefit of the country, the party and his family, and for his own good, @realDonaldTrump should withdraw. More and worse oppo coming
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) October 8, 2016