Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to wade into the political minefield of the U.S. presidential campaign by stopping short of condemning Republican nominee Donald Trump’s alleged misconduct, as well as his sexist and lewd remarks recorded ten years ago.
Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Trudeau refused to be drawn into the growing controversy over allegations of sexual assault leveled at Trump.
Trudeau insisted that his own record as a feminist speaks for itself, sticking to his message that he will work with whomever is elected U.S. president to advance Canada’s interests.
“This relationship goes far deeper than any two personalities at their countries’ respective heads,” he said. “This is my responsibility. I think, however, I’ve been very clear in my approach as a feminist, as someone who has stood clearly and strongly through all my life around issues of sexual harassment, standing against violence against women, that I don’t need to make any further comment.”
Trump’s campaign has been shaken to its core after the Washington Post released a 2005 video of the candidate making vulgar remarks to Access Hollywood reporter Billy Bush.
Trump’s wife Melania Trump and his vice-presidential running mate, Mike Pence, condemned the remarks, which Trump described as embarrassing locker room talk, but have stood by him. However, in recent days a growing number of high-ranking Republicans have distanced themselves from the party’s presidential nominee.
On Wednesday, Trump was also forced to respond to new allegations that he groped and kissed several women without their consent.
With files from CBC News
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