Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) sparked fierce backlash on social media after his comments regarding sexual assault allegations against Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. During a Fox News appearance on Monday, McCarthy stated, “The one thing I know about Republicans, when we had a very bad candidate and found out, we didn’t vote for that person.” He then drew a comparison to former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), whose nomination for attorney general under President Donald Trump failed after an Ethics Committee investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.
Critics Highlight McCarthy’s Support for Trump
Numerous critics quickly pointed out McCarthy’s continued support for Trump, who has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and assault. Notably, Trump was found liable for the sexual abuse of writer E. Jean Carroll, with a $5 million verdict that the Supreme Court recently declined to overturn. Trump has yet to pay Carroll. Over two dozen women have accused Trump of sexual assault or misconduct, allegations he has denied.
Commenters also referenced Trump’s 34 felony convictions for falsifying business records related to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Social media posts included reactions from figures such as Hasanabi, Sam Stein, Adam Kinzinger, and others, who expressed disbelief at McCarthy’s remarks.
Reactions on Social Media
Hasanabi wrote, “TRUMP IS THE FUCKING PRESIDENT WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!?! THE MFING SECRETARY OF WAR HAS THE EXACT SAME RAP SHEET AS GRAHAM PLATNER!! HE WAS A HOST ON THE NETWORK YOURE CURRENTLY SPEAKING AT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Sam Stein sarcastically noted, “yes. he personally walked all the way to Mar a Lago.” Adam Kinzinger simply said, “I’m sorry, what?!” The Tennessee Holler commented, “*dies from the irony*.”
Hemant Mehta stated, “They still love Trump. They're backing Ken Paxton. They have no moral authority here.” Adam Cochran wrote, “Are you absolutely fucking kidding me right now?! Shut the fuck up Kevin.” Polly Sigh added, “Trump is a twice impeached rapist who was convicted of 34 counts of felony fraud and Republicans constantly shame themselves by kissing his fat ass every chance they get.”
Wider Implications
Amanda Litman remarked, “I understand this is basically the only thing they can say here but god imagine the brain rot required to say this with a straight face when Donald Trump is President.” Ahmed Baba noted, “Trump bragged about grabbing women by the pussy, over two dozen women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct, & Trump was found liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll. Platner is being rightfully condemned by Dems but Republicans, sit down. The hypocrisy is mind-boggling.”
McCarthy’s comments come amid the 2026 election cycle, highlighting ongoing partisan divides over accountability for sexual misconduct allegations.
