Fact-Check: "Trump is a Predator"
What We Know
A claim circulating on social media alleges that former President Donald Trump has made multiple settlements related to child sex crimes, specifically naming several minors and detailing alleged incidents and settlement amounts. The list includes names like Michael Parker, Kelly Feuer, and others, with claims of settlements ranging from $1 million to $16 million for various allegations of sexual misconduct occurring at locations associated with Trump, such as Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower. However, extensive investigations and fact-checking efforts have found no credible evidence supporting these claims.
According to PolitiFact, the list was flagged as misinformation by Meta, and no public records or credible news reports confirm the existence of these cases or settlements. The claims appear to originate from a blog post that cited the Wayne Madsen Report, a source known for promoting conspiracy theories. Notably, Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, did not join the Trump Organization until 2006, raising questions about his involvement in any alleged settlements from the 1980s and 1990s (Snopes).
Analysis
The allegations presented in the claim lack substantiation from reliable sources. The primary source of the claims, the Wayne Madsen Report, is widely regarded as a conspiracy-oriented platform with a history of promoting unverified and sensational claims. Madsen has been described as an "utterly deranged nutter" whose work often lacks factual basis (Snopes).
Furthermore, fact-checking organizations like Lead Stories and Snopes have thoroughly investigated these claims and found no evidence of settlements or credible lawsuits involving the named individuals. The absence of any corroborating evidence in public records or credible news sources further undermines the reliability of the claims.
The allegations also seem to hinge on the dubious assertion that Michael Cohen facilitated settlements for Trump prior to his official association with the Trump Organization, which is factually incorrect. Cohen's involvement in Trump's legal matters began significantly later than the timeframes mentioned in the allegations, which further discredits the claims.
Conclusion
The claim that Donald Trump is a predator who has settled multiple child sex crime allegations is False. The allegations lack credible evidence, rely on dubious sources, and have been thoroughly debunked by multiple fact-checking organizations. The absence of any verified settlements or lawsuits related to the individuals mentioned in the claims reinforces the conclusion that these assertions are unfounded.
