Eric Trump defends his father Donald over sexual harassment comments

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Eric Trump has defended his father and claimed his sister Ivanka is a “strong powerful woman” who would never "allow herself" to be sexually harassed by her boss.

The views of the 32-year-old businessman, who is the third child of the Republican presidential candidate, echo those of his father who recently suggested his daughter Ivanka should leave her position if she was sexually harassed at work.

Eric made the remarks about Ivanka while discussing former Fox News head Roger Alies alleged sexual harassment of female employees. Ailes, who is one of the most powerful men in US media, strongly denies all of the claims against him. He has since left his position within Fox.

In a conversation about the allegations on CBS This Morning on Tuesday, Eric said: ”Ivanka is a strong, powerful woman, she wouldn't allow herself to be [subjected] to it”.

“And by the way, you should take it up with Human Resources, and I think she would as a strong person, at the same time, I don't think she would allow herself to be subjected to that”.

Both Eric and Mr Trump have been accused of “victim blaming” on social media over their remarks.

Gretchen Carlson, the former Fox News television host who took out a sexual-harassment lawsuit against Fox chief executive Ailes, lamented the fact such victim blaming subsisted in this day and age.

“Sad in 2016 we’re still victim blaming women. Trust me I’m strong. #StandWithGretchen,” she wrote on Twitter.

“The Trumps' victim-blaming shows a lack of empathy and their problem with women,” added another Twitter user. While another said: “Victim blaming & saying “strong women don't get harassed” is insulting and offensive to all women.”

"Both Donald Trump and his son hold astonishingly ignorant views on sexual harassment," added another.

Eric condemned harassment in the workplace in a further tweet: “I said sexual harassment is a “no go” and should be addressed by Human Resources. It's totally unacceptable behaviour”.

His father also added to his remarks about Ivanka, saying it was up to the individual to choose how they dealt with harassment in the workplace. He said they could either take action within their company, leave their employer while still seeking retribution or simply quit altogether.

“I think it’s got to be up to the individual,” the Republican candidate said. “It also depends on what’s available. There may be a better alternative; then there may not. If there’s not a better alternative, then you stay. But it could be there’s a better alternative where you’re taken care of better.”

The Independent has contacted Eric and Donald Trump for comment.