Democrats invite sexual assault victims to Donald Trump’s State of Union speech

Donald Trump, the US president - Barcroft Media
Donald Trump, the US president - Barcroft Media

Democratic politicians are planning to invite victims of sexual assault to attend Donald Trump’s “state of the union” address later this month. 

The move echoes Mr Trump’s decision to bring Bill Clinton’s accusers into the audience for his presidential debate against Hillary Clinton in 2016. 

Some Democrats were even thinking about inviting Mr Trump’s alleged harassment victims but the move was rejected by more senior figures on Capitol Hill. 

It will help put sexual abuse in the spotlight at the moment Mr Trump is meant to give his assessment of America – one of the biggest political speeches of the year. 

Critics have accused the Republican party of double standards as a leading Democratic politician stood down after claims of impropriety while Mr Trump did not during his election campaign. 

It comes as the country has been rocked by the ‘me too’ movement that has called out alleged sexual abuses after a string of women made public claims against Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood mogul. 

An aide to Lois Frankel, leader of the Democratic Women's Working Group, said: Some members will be bringing survivors of sexual assault and advocates as their guests.”

NBC News reported that two Democratic congresswomen discussed bringing women who have accused Mr Trump of impropriety to the speech but the move was quashed. 

Nancy Pelosi, the most senior Democrat in the House of Representatives, said: “It’s not all about Donald Trump. I don’t think that that would be helpful in terms of what we need to do for the American people."

Attendees are also being urged to wear black to the speech on January 30 to show awareness of the sexual harassment, echoing what celebrities did at the recent Golden Globes ceremony. 

Jackie Speier, the Congresswoman for California, backs the calls, saying: This is a culture change that is sweeping the country, and Congress is embracing it.”