What Is MAGA’s #KamalaGropedMe Trend: Mocking Allegations or Misguided Humor?

A wave of controversy has erupted following former model Stacy Williams’s recent allegations that former President Donald Trump groped her in the 1990s. In the wake of these claims, supporters of Trump have inundated social media with the hashtag “#KamalaGropedMe,” which has quickly ascended the trending charts. This article explores the allegations against Trump, the response from his team, and the implications of the hashtag.

 

Allegations Against Trump

Stacy Williams, who worked as a model in the 1990s, detailed her unsettling experience in an interview with The Guardian. She recalled first meeting Trump at a 1992 Christmas party shortly after she began dating Jeffrey Epstein, a close associate of Trump. Williams noted, “It became very clear that he and Donald were really, really good friends.” In 2002, Trump himself described Epstein as a “terrific guy” and remarked on their shared interest in beautiful women.

Williams alleged that during a visit to Trump Tower with Epstein, Trump abruptly pulled her close and groped her, touching her breasts, waist, and buttocks. Stunned and confused, Williams reported seeing Epstein and Trump smiling at each other. Following the incident, Epstein’s demeanor changed, and he questioned her, “Why did you let him do that?”—a comment she later interpreted as part of a manipulative dynamic between the two men. Additionally, she received a postcard from Trump in 1993, which read, “Stacey – Your home away from home. Love Donald.”

Trump’s Response

In response to Williams’s allegations, Trump’s campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, vehemently denied the claims, labeling them as “politically motivated.” She insisted that the allegations were false and accused Williams of being a former activist for Barack Obama trying to undermine Trump’s campaign. Despite facing nearly two dozen allegations of sexual misconduct, Trump continues to categorically deny all accusations.

 

Social Media Reaction

In reaction to the allegations against Trump, MAGA supporters on X initiated the hashtag #KamalaGropedMe. This trend appears to mock Williams’s accusations while also targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly regarding the timing of the allegations, which surfaced just as the 2024 election approaches. Critics of this movement condemned it as an insensitive joke, emphasizing that sexual assault should never be trivialized.

Harris supporters responded to the hashtag by highlighting its offensive nature, asserting that it trivializes serious discussions about sexual assault. One user commented, “Not surprising to see MAGA got #KamalaGropedMe trending because they think sexual assault is a fu**ing joke.” This ongoing discourse illustrates the contentious nature of political discourse in the lead-up to the elections, reflecting deep divides on issues of accountability and sexual misconduct.