Trump distances campaign from Mark Robinson amid allegations of lewd online activity

In a recent CNN report, Robinson’s past online activities were detailed, including offensive remarks about women and race, which contradict his public positions on various social issues. In light of these allegations, former President Donald Trump, who previously endorsed Robinson and praised him as “Martin Luther King on steroids,” campaigned in North Carolina without Robinson by his side. The Trump campaign has shifted its focus to broader electoral strategies, emphasizing the importance of winning North Carolina while refraining from commenting on Robinson’s controversies. This distancing comes at a critical time as both parties recognize the state’s significance in the upcoming elections.

Robinson’s Controversial Comments

Robinson’s posts included graphic descriptions of inappropriate behavior and inflammatory statements regarding race and gender. He has since denied the authenticity of these comments, asserting they do not reflect his character or beliefs.

Impact on the Campaign

The fallout from these allegations has put Robinson’s gubernatorial race at risk, with polls indicating he was already trailing his Democratic opponent, Josh Stein. The situation has also prompted Democrats to leverage the controversy, seeking to tie Trump closer to Robinson’s remarks in their campaign efforts.

Trump’s Response

During his recent rally in Wilmington, Trump did not mention Robinson, instead focusing on appealing to women voters by suggesting that under his leadership, they would no longer need to think about abortion. This approach comes amidst a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding Robinson’s past and the implications it may have for both his campaign and Trump’s electoral strategy in North Carolina.