Consider This from NPR: "Some Trump Cabinet Picks Are Accused of Sexual Misconduct. What’s It Mean for #MeToo?"
Release Date: November 21, 2024
In this compelling episode of NPR's Consider This, host Mary Louise Kelly delves into the resurgence of sexual misconduct allegations within the highest echelons of government as former President Donald Trump gears up for a potential second term. The discussion not only revisits the foundational moments of the #MeToo movement but also explores its current trajectory in the face of controversial cabinet appointments.
1. The Trump Presidency and Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The episode opens with a recounting of the infamous 2005 Access Hollywood tape featuring then-candidate Donald Trump. Mary Louise Kelly sets the stage by highlighting how the leaked conversation ("Grab them by the...") nearly derailed Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Despite widespread accusations of sexual misconduct that emerged during that period, Trump's victory underscored a complex landscape regarding accountability and voter priorities.
Notable Quote:
Mary Louise Kelly (00:19): “You can do anything, whatever you want.”
2. The Rise and Impact of the #MeToo Movement
Transitioning to the broader #MeToo movement, Kelly contextualizes its emergence against a backdrop of significant revelations in Hollywood, such as Harvey Weinstein's extensive history of sexual harassment. The movement rapidly evolved into a global call for accountability, empowering millions of women to share their experiences and leading to the downfall of numerous high-profile men across various industries.
Notable Quote:
Mary Louise Kelly (01:42): “Hard, it was a fight. That's writer Eugene Carroll speaking on CNN shortly after publishing an article in New York magazine alleging that Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in the 1990s.”
3. Renewed Allegations and Legal Consequences for Trump
The narrative progresses to more recent events, notably the 2023 jury verdict holding Trump liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll and defaming her. This legal setback marks a significant moment in the intersection of politics and the #MeToo movement, emphasizing that even powerful figures are not immune to accountability.
Notable Quote:
Mary Louise Kelly (02:17): “She came forward in the 90s. The verdicts were a win for Carroll and for the legacy of the MeToo movement.”
4. Controversial Cabinet Appointments and Their Implications
As Trump prepares for a potential second term, several of his cabinet nominees are embroiled in their own sexual misconduct allegations. Names like Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Elon Musk surface, each facing varying degrees of accusations. These appointments raise pressing questions about the current state of the #MeToo movement and its influence on political appointments.
Notable Quote:
Mary Louise Kelly (03:02): “Donald Trump's first presidential win helped lay the groundwork for the MeToo movement. What might his second win and his cabinet picks tell us about where the movement stands today?”
5. In-Depth Discussion with Jodi Kantor
To unpack these developments, Kelly invites Jodi Kantor, a New York Times investigative reporter and co-author of the seminal book She Said, which significantly contributed to the #MeToo movement.
a. Trump’s Election and the Birth of #MeToo
Kantor reflects on how Trump's 2016 victory inadvertently created an environment ripe for the emergence of the #MeToo movement. The unprecedented attention on Trump's own misconduct allegations set the stage for broader investigations into other powerful men across the political spectrum.
Notable Quote:
Jodi Kantor (04:46): “The first big story that the Times did was about the Fox News host Bill O'Reilly, but the second was about Harvey Weinstein. And that showed that these were figures on the left and on the right and the reckoning that followed.”
b. Current Cabinet Selections as a Challenge to #MeToo
Kantor expresses concern that Trump's cabinet choices, many of whom have reputations tarnished by sexual misconduct accusations, represent a direct challenge to the progress made by the #MeToo movement. She argues that these appointments signal a pushback against the movement's principles of accountability and workplace safety.
Notable Quote:
Jodi Kantor (07:45): “He's essentially trying to make a statement that they deserve to have these jobs despite the taint of these allegations.”
c. The Evolution and Politicization of #MeToo
The conversation shifts to the evolving dynamics of #MeToo, highlighting debates over fairness, evidence standards, and the politicization of sexual misconduct allegations. Kantor notes a troubling trend where the movement's core principles are being overshadowed by political maneuvering, potentially diluting its effectiveness.
Notable Quote:
Jodi Kantor (09:45): “Look at Louis CK who acknowledged the allegations against him, said they were true, has become very successful again. But what's happening now with these appointments, I think feels less like a searching conversation about, well, how do we do this?”
6. The Persistent Relevance of #MeToo
Despite predictions of the movement's decline, Kantor argues that #MeToo remains a powerful force. She emphasizes that ongoing allegations and the continuous uncovering of misconduct demonstrate its enduring impact, even as it grapples with increased politicization.
Notable Quote:
Jodi Kantor (10:39): “Every few weeks there's another powerful wave of allegations. Look at the recent allegations against Sean Combs. Those kinds of stories have really continued unabated for about seven years now.”
7. Conclusion: Navigating the Future of #MeToo
As the episode wraps up, Kelly and Kantor contemplate the future of #MeToo in an increasingly polarized political landscape. The interplay between high-stakes political appointments and the movement's foundational goals presents a complex challenge for advocates striving to maintain momentum and achieve lasting cultural change.
Final Thoughts:
This episode of Consider This provides a nuanced exploration of how Trump's potential return to the White House, coupled with his controversial cabinet picks, intersects with and challenges the principles of the #MeToo movement. Through insightful analysis and expert commentary from Jodi Kantor, listeners gain a deep understanding of the ongoing struggles and debates surrounding workplace accountability and gender-based misconduct in contemporary America.
Produced by Katherine Fink, edited by Courtney Dorning, and executive produced by Sammy Yenigun. For more insights and discussions, visit Consider This+.