Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) have both called for additional questioning and more information about E. Jean Carroll's recent rape accusation against President Trump, CNN reports.
The big picture: This separates the senators from the majority of the GOP — which has largely stayed silent in response to the accusation, per Politico. Meanwhile, many have taken strong stances of support for Trump.
What they're saying:
- "It's a very serious allegation," Romney said, according to CNN. "I hope that it is fully evaluated. The President said it didn't happen and I certainly hope that's the case."
- "I think anybody that makes an accusation like that, they should come forward," Ernst reportedly told CNN when asked if Carroll should be believed. "But obviously there has to be some additional information. They need to interview her. They need to visit with him."
The other side: Other GOP members, like Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), called the alleged acts "unacceptable, deplorable behavior," according to CNN, but added that because "the President is denying them, I can't comment on them because I don't know what the truth is."
Flashback: Many GOP leaders took a hard line against Trump during the height of the "Access Hollywood" tape fallout, which occurred before his presidency. Vice President Mike Pence even went so far as to say he was "offended by the words and actions described by Donald Trump” in the 2005 video, per the New York Times.
Go deeper: Trump says he didn't rape author E. Jean Carroll: "She's not my type"
