Rachel Crooks and Donald J. Trump
This profile summarises publicly reported allegations made by Rachel Crooks concerning Donald J. Trump. It draws on reputable journalism and public statements. Allegations are not criminal findings; where responses or corroborating context exist, they are included. This page reflects the most up-to-date information available and follows the Felonotus standard format.
Last updated: November 19, 2025
Summary
Rachel Crooks, then a 22-year-old receptionist working for a real-estate investment firm located in Trump Tower, has alleged that Donald J. Trump kissed her without consent near the building’s elevator bank in 2005. According to Crooks, she introduced herself to Trump because her company frequently worked with his organisation. After a brief handshake, she says Trump refused to let go of her hand, pulled her closer, and kissed her repeatedly on the cheeks and directly on the mouth.
Crooks first came forward publicly in October 2016 as part of wider reporting into allegations of misconduct against Trump. She repeated her account in multiple interviews, later participating in public advocacy relating to sexual assault survivors. Trump denied the allegation, calling the story false and politically motivated. No criminal or civil complaint has been filed by Crooks, and the allegation has not been adjudicated in court.
As of 2025, Crooks’s allegation remains part of the publicly documented record of women who accused Donald Trump of inappropriate behaviour during the 2016 and 2020 election cycles. No additional legal developments or filings have emerged.
Key facts at a glance
• Alleged incident: 2005, near the elevators on a lower floor of Trump Tower in New York City.
• Nature of allegation: Crooks alleges Trump kissed her on the mouth without consent after shaking her hand.
• Public disclosure: October 2016, in interviews and national news reporting.
• Trump’s response: Denied the allegation, describing it and similar accounts as fabricated.
• Legal action: No criminal or civil filings as of late 2025.
• Follow-up: Crooks stood by her story in subsequent interviews and public commentary.
Timeline
2005
While working as a receptionist for an investment firm housed in Trump Tower, Crooks alleges that Donald Trump introduced himself near an elevator bank, shook her hand, and then kissed her without consent. She says the incident left her shaken and embarrassed. She reported telling her sister and colleagues soon after.
2005–2016
Crooks does not pursue legal action. She later explains that she did not believe such a case would be taken seriously at the time, particularly given Trump’s stature in New York real estate and media.
October 13, 2016
The New York Times publishes Crooks’s account alongside that of Jessica Leeds. The report provides contextual details about the alleged incident and Trump Tower environment.
October 14–15, 2016
Coverage expands across national media, including The Washington Post, CNN, and ABC News. Trump issues blanket denials, stating that none of the allegations reported during this period are true.
2017–2020
Crooks participates in further interviews and public appearances, including advocacy work related to sexual misconduct awareness. No criminal or civil case is filed.
2021–2025
Crooks’s account continues to be cited in major summaries of allegations against Trump. No new filings or legal developments occur.
Media coverage and documentation
Major news organisations reported extensively on Crooks’s allegation during the 2016 election, and her account has been referenced in numerous subsequent summaries.
• The New York Times – Initial allegations report (October 13, 2016)
• The Washington Post – 2016 accuser roundup (October 15, 2016)
• CNN – Coverage of Trump’s denials (October 14, 2016)
• ABC News – Updated list of accusers (2020)
Responses and statements
Donald J. Trump
Trump denied Crooks’s allegation, calling her claim and others like it “fabricated” and politically motivated. His campaign issued statements dismissing all misconduct allegations raised during October 2016.
Rachel Crooks
Crooks has reiterated her account in interviews and public appearances since 2016. She has said she chose to speak out because the incident remained troubling and because she believed her story contributed to a broader national conversation about consent and misconduct.
Sources
The New York Times – Initial report (Oct 13, 2016)
The Washington Post – Accusers roundup (Oct 15, 2016)
CNN – Trump denial coverage (Oct 14, 2016)
ABC News – Updated background list (2020)
Corrections
None at this time. To request a correction or submit documentation, email admin@felonotus.com.