Donald Trump took his frequent habit of describing himself as a “protector” of women further on Wednesday night in Wisconsin, when he declared he would protect them “whether the women like it or not” if he wins a second term in the White House.

“I said, ‘Well, I’m going to do it, whether the women like it or not,’” Trump said. “I’m going to protect them.”

There have been dozens of claims of sexual misconduct levelled at the Republican candidate over the years, including a fresh allegation last week. Trump denies them all. Last year a judge ruled that a rape accusation against Trump was substantially true.

The Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responded: “Harris may be the first woman Vice President but she has implemented dangerously liberal policies that have left women worse off financially and far less safe than we were four years ago under President Trump.”