Lately with Layne: Sexual assault accusations should influence political office

President-elect Donald Trump, Fox News host Pete Hegseth and former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) have one thing in common, and it’s not their political affiliation. All three were charged with alleged sexual violence.

Despite their claims, Gaetz and Hegseth were recently nominated by Trump to serve in key cabinet positions in the next administration. Allegations of sexual violence against highly placed officials in politics further exacerbate the idea of ​​firing survivors and boosting the morale of the accused.

according to Washington Post“Gaetz is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl, violating sex trafficking laws, and using illegal drugs.” Gaetz resigned from the Senate after being nominated for attorney general in Trump’s cabinet, effectively ending the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into his case.

Without further investigation or the release of the report, the accusations investigated by the House Ethics Committee and the women who accused Gaetz of sexual harassment will be completely ignored. Although resigning from the Senate removes Gaetz’s direct political power, it does signal his control throughout the investigative process. Not all of those accused have the option of resigning from their jobs knowing that the investigation will end.

One NBC News “A woman told police that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, took her phone and prevented her from leaving her hotel room before sexually assaulting her following the Republican caucus in California in 2017,” the report said. Hegseth, who was nominated as defense secretary in Trump’s cabinet, was not charged after the investigation was completed, but many people remain skeptical about this.

The police report detailing Hegseth’s alleged actions against the unidentified woman was released after his nomination, but it did not strain his support base. This reinforces the idea that high social status can protect individuals from repercussions and punishments related to allegations.

according to Associated Press“Trump himself has long been accused of harassing or mistreating women and was once caught bragging about grabbing women by the genitals. He was found responsible for sexual abuse and defamation by a New York City jury, and was eventually ordered to pay $83 million in damages to E. Jean Carroll.”

As a controversial political figure, many who agree with Trump are willing to ignore survivors by framing their accusations as political attacks or partisan disagreements. His rhetoric of inhumanity surrounding women is at the forefront of virality, but he is not losing support.

Supporting or voting for Gaetz, Hegseth, or Trump (while the allegations against them are public knowledge) is a direct reflection of society’s norm of excluding survivors.

according to National Library of Medicine“One in four women will be subjected to sexual assault in their lifetime. “Although less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement, one in five cases reported to police are deemed unfounded (by police) and are therefore coded as ‘unfounded’.”

Because the police and courts have such high power to investigate reports of sexual assault, they have the ability to outright ignore victims with victim blaming techniques and a general lack of investigation, leading to further dismissal of victims and demoralizing the accused.

Survivors deserve to be heard, believed and supported, not belittled and ignored. Public officials whose investigations or accusations are ongoing should not remain on duty until the incident is fully investigated and necessary actions are taken.

By believing in survivors and their experiences, justice will come before power.

Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not necessarily reflect those below. Mail. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting @laynerey12.