From sex scandals to impeachment: the unsinkable Donald Trump

IMPEACHED for abuse of power, President Donald Trump’s acquittal by the Senate is just the latest escape for the real estate tycoon turned politician who has repeatedly defied the odds.

The following are some of the events that could have torpedoed his political fortunes:

- ‘Grab ‘em’ - On October 7, 2016, one month before the presidential election, a decadeold recording is released on which Trump is heard talking about women in extremely crude terms.

The now infamous “Access Hollywood” tape features Trump -- then the billionaire host of the hit reality show “The Apprentice” -- boasting that his celebrity gave him license to grope women with impunity. “When you’re a star, they let you do it,” he said. “You can do anything. Grab ‘em by the pussy. You can do anything.”

As prominent Republicans voiced their disgust, the scandal appeared set to derail Trump’s White House bid -- as pundits widely predicted it would cost him the women’s vote.

They were proven wrong. Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton to win the presidency the following month, ultimately garnering 52 percent support among white women voters.

At least 17 women have accused Trump of sexual harassment or sexual assault -- accusations the president has denied. - Charlottesville On August 12, 2017, white supremacist, neo-Nazi and anti-Semitic groups -- emboldened by Trump’s election on an anti-immigration platform -- gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia for a rally.

Counter-protesters flocked to the city and clashes broke out. One neoNazi deliberately ploughed his car into a crowd of protesters, killing a 32-yearold woman.