Republicans on Friday quickly condemned the lewd comments about women made by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in a 2005 conversation, and some called for him to drop out of the race.
In the newly-released recording, published Friday by the Washington Post, Trump brags about hitting on a married woman and groping women, saying “you can do anything” to them “when you’re a star.” Republicans, including the party’s most senior leaders, immediately denounced Trump’s comments and called for an apology.
Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, who endorsed Trump but has often distanced himself from some of the nominee’s controversial remarks, said Trump will no longer be attending a scheduled joint rally in Wisconsin on Saturday.
“I am sickened by what I heard today,” Ryan said in a statement. “Women are to be championed and revered, not objectified. I hope Mr. Trump treats this situation with the seriousness it deserves and works to demonstrate to the country that he has greater respect for women than this clip suggests.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the remarks “repugnant, and unacceptable in any circumstance.”
“No woman should ever be described in these terms or talked about in this manner. Ever,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus.
Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris, the highest-ranking woman in the House, said: “It is never appropriate to condone unwanted sexual advances or violence against women.”
Here are some more of the reactions from Republican leaders across the country:
I will not vote for a nominee who has behaved in a manner that reflects so poorly on our country. FULL STATEMENT: https://t.co/7zUFPXvXPA
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) October 8, 2016
As the grandfather of two precious girls, I find that no apology can excuse away Donald Trump's reprehensible comments degrading women.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) October 7, 2016
These comments are disturbing and inappropriate, there is simply no excuse for them.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) October 8, 2016
Donald's comments were vulgar, egregious & impossible to justify.
No one should ever talk about any woman in those terms, even in private.— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) October 8, 2016
Hitting on married women? Condoning assault? Such vile degradations demean our wives and daughters and corrupt America's face to the world.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) October 8, 2016
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the comments made by Donald Trump regarding women. I find them disgusting.
— Pat McCrory (@PatMcCroryNC) October 8, 2016
Inexcusable. Trump's comments are inexcusable.
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) October 8, 2016
Trump should step down immediately tonight, yielding to Governor Pence as the GOP Nominee.
— Rob Engstrom (@RobEngstrom) October 8, 2016
As the mother of three daughters & two young sons, I'm disgusted by Trump's "locker room banter." His appalling comments are indefensible.
— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) October 8, 2016
Donald Trump's statements are beyond offensive & despicable. While I cannot vote for Hillary Clinton, I will not vote for Trump. #utpol
— Gary R. Herbert (@HerbertForUtah) October 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/GovernorPataki/status/784567126984126464
Comments made by Mr. Trump are outrageous, & he must apologize immediately for his disrespectful, profane & demeaning language about women.
— Senator Mike Crapo (@MikeCrapo) October 8, 2016
Trump: "I am your voice."
Not my voice. Not most Americans' voice. Isn't it time for a Republican revolt against his remaining GOP's voice?— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) October 7, 2016
DJT is a malignant clown – unprepared and unfit to be president of the United States.
— Mark Kirk (@SenatorKirk) October 7, 2016
America deserves far better than @realDonaldTrump
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) October 7, 2016
.@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
The comments DJT made are lewd & insulting. There is no excuse, and no room for such reprehensible and objectifying talk about anyone, ever.
— Joni Ernst (@joniernst) October 8, 2016
I will not vote for Donald Trump. Read my statement here: pic.twitter.com/F8zajgDZpg
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) October 8, 2016
Enough is enough. Donald Trump should withdraw in favor of Governor Mike Pence. This election is too important.
— Dennis Daugaard (@SDGovDaugaard) October 8, 2016
My thoughts: pic.twitter.com/1ck3UddzdR
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) October 8, 2016
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
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
https://www.facebook.com/mikeleeUT/videos/10154626306667431/
Donald Trump's behavior makes him unacceptable as a candidate for president, and I won't vote for him.
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/Ge7GU1TSvm
— Martha Roby (@MarthaRobyAL) October 8, 2016
I can no longer endorse Donald Trump. Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/lfa9mYZbdC
— Senator Mike Crapo (@MikeCrapo) October 8, 2016