US President Donald Trump is facing a new rape allegation after a former beauty queen claimed she was sexually assaulted by him in 1993.
The allegation is contained in a report issued by Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee examining Trump's alleged connections to late financier Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's criminal activities.
The report has prompted a swift response from the White House, which has rejected the claims.
What the former Miss Switzerland alleges
According to the report, Beatrice Keul, a former model and Miss Switzerland, had previously alleged shortly before the 2024 US presidential election that Trump sexually harassed her in November 1993.
She has now expanded her account, claiming she was raped during the same incident.
Keul told committee investigators that she met Trump in November 1993, when she was 24 years old, at a beauty pageant event at New York's Plaza Hotel, which was owned by the businessman at the time.
According to her testimony, Trump promised to help her secure a US visa and gain admission to New York University (NYU), telling her: "I will take care of you."
Keul further alleged that she was later approached by Jeffrey Epstein, who introduced himself as "Don's best friend" and invited her to a party at Mar-a-Lago.
She claims that a Trump representative later invited her to meet Trump in a suite at the Plaza Hotel.
The report states that once she entered the room, Trump allegedly grabbed her from behind and raped her.
According to Keul's account, Trump then sat her on the bed, repeated promises regarding a visa and university admission, and instructed her to remain silent, telling her: "The show must go on."
White House rejects claims
The White House strongly denied the allegations.
A spokesperson described the report as "a desperate attempt by unhinged Democrats to distract Americans from the growing momentum of Republicans fuelled by President Trump's historic achievements."
Trump has repeatedly maintained that he ended his friendship with Epstein long before the financier's criminal conduct became public, previously describing him as a "creep" whom he had barred from his club.
Allegations from five women
The Democratic report includes testimony from four other women who also accuse Trump of sexual misconduct.
The ranking Democrat on the committee, Jamie Raskin, alleged that the US Department of Justice was attempting to shield the president.
"Five women have directly accused Trump of rape or sexual assault in the presence of or with the assistance of Epstein," Raskin said, adding that the Justice Department appeared to be covering up those crimes to protect the president.
Claims remain allegations
The allegations contained in the report have not been established in court and remain claims made by those providing testimony.
The White House continues to deny the accusations.
Source: The Telegraph, via LiFO
