The Public Perception of Trump’s Remarks on Meghan Markle

Back in 2016, while Donald Trump was running for President, he was met with harsh criticism, including from Meghan Markle. In a pre-Harry relationship phase, Markle had publicly labeled Trump as “divisive” and a “misogynist,” statements that resonated with a significant audience. However, during an interview, a reporter from the Sun tabloid asked Trump about these comments. Trump responded obliquely, stating he did not know about the comments until the reporter mentioned them, and then he surprisingly added, "I didn’t know she was nasty." His exact words, which further fueled the controversy.

A tactful and competent President would have acknowledged the mistake and corrected himself. Not President Trump. He chose to deny his earlier statements, much to the chagrin of many. If he had admitted to misspeaking and assuring the public that his subsequent views on Markle were disdain for the comments, it might have defused the situation. However, in a move typical of his approach, he chose to deny the accusations outright.

Obama's Role in Their Romance

Early in their relationship, I encountered an article suggesting that former President Barack Obama had introduced Meghan Markle and Prince William (there was a reported setup) with the intention of fostering a romantic relationship. While I have not been able to locate this article again, it suggests that before becoming deeply involved with Harry, Markle held negative views toward the Trump administration. She once stated that she had serious reservations about Trump, reflecting a perspective shared by many who voted against him.

Markle's past disdain for Trump is clear, but the public's perception of Trump's comments tends to hinge on the sincerity of his denial. Some journalists have highlighted that Trump had not been aware of Markle's prior comments, and even told a reporter that he respected her as a person. Critics argue that reporters look for such stories to create controversy, but Trump's reaction was seen as defensive and dismissive.

Interestingly, Markle also criticized Trump around a year or two before their relationship. As a public figure and a voter, her sentiments aligned with many others who rejected Trump during the 2016 election. Her commentary was part of a broader discourse on his presidency and leadership.

The critical nature of these debates hinges on the personality of the President: Trump's inability to handle criticism or admit errors often leads to further heightened scrutiny and public backlash. This behavior creates a negative image for Trump in the eyes of many, despite the attempts to present his features differently.