Fact Check: Temple Taggart McDowell Accused Trump of Sexual Misconduct
What We Know
Temple Taggart McDowell, who was crowned Miss Utah in 1997, publicly accused Donald Trump of inappropriate behavior during her time in the Miss USA pageant. In a detailed account shared with NBC News, McDowell described two encounters with Trump that made her uncomfortable. She recounted that during a rehearsal, Trump kissed her on the lips, and later, during a visit to Trump Tower, he repeated this behavior in front of chaperones, which led one of them to advise her against being alone with him (NBC News).
McDowell's allegations are part of a broader pattern of accusations against Trump, with at least 25 women having publicly accused him of various forms of sexual misconduct, including unwanted kissing and groping (Wikipedia). Trump has consistently denied these allegations, including McDowell's, stating he does not remember her and emphatically denying the claims (NBC News).
Analysis
The credibility of McDowell's accusations is supported by her consistent recounting of events and the context in which they occurred. Her claims align with a pattern of behavior that has been reported by multiple women who have accused Trump of similar misconduct (People). Furthermore, McDowell's decision to come forward was influenced by the public release of a 2005 "hot mic" recording in which Trump made lewd comments about women, suggesting a troubling pattern of behavior (NBC News).
However, it is important to consider the reliability of the sources involved. NBC News, where McDowell shared her story, is a well-established news organization known for its journalistic standards. The Wikipedia article provides a comprehensive overview of the allegations against Trump, but it is essential to cross-reference with primary sources for accuracy. The New York Times also reported on McDowell's allegations, adding to the credibility of her claims (Wikipedia, NBC News).
Despite Trump's denials, the consistency of McDowell's account, coupled with the corroborative testimonies of other women, strengthens the case for the veracity of her claims. Trump's dismissive response, stating he does not remember McDowell, is a common tactic used by individuals accused of misconduct to undermine the credibility of their accusers.
Conclusion
The claim that Temple Taggart McDowell accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct is True. McDowell's detailed accounts of her encounters with Trump, along with the broader context of multiple allegations against him, provide substantial evidence supporting her claims. The consistent pattern of behavior described by various women further corroborates her experiences.
Sources
- Donald Trump sexual misconduct allegations - Wikipedia
- Miss USA Contestant Details Unwanted Encounters With ...
- Miss Utah 1997 Says Donald Trump Forcibly Kissed Her - People.com
- Temple Taggart: Donald Trump kissed me
- Temple Taggart: Donald Trump wants to 'silence his ...
- Former Miss Utah Temple Taggart speaks out against Trump’s ...
- Former Miss Utah speaks on alleged sexual harassment ...
- All the assault allegations against Donald Trump, recapped