Trump has long been criticized for his public treatment of women. The ones in his life argue he’s different in private

A common theme rang through speeches from women at this year’s Republican National Convention: Despite how former President Donald Trump’s public treatment of women may seem to some, he is an advocate for them behind closed doors.

When Sarah Huckabee Sanders faced what she described as “relentless attacks from the left,” it was former President Donald Trump who comforted her, she said. Trump attorney Alina Habba described the Republican nominee as her “friend.” And Kai Trump, his oldest grandchild, made a surprise appearance to share “the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see.” A common theme rang through speeches from women at this year’s Republican National Convention: Despite how Trump’s public treatment of women may seem to some, he is an advocate for them behind closed doors. In speech after speech in Milwaukee this week, women spoke of quiet moments when they said Trump comforted them in the wake of Democratic attacks or media criticism, advocated for them professionally or showed compassion or familial care. They described him as a friend and a loving father and grandfather in the moments people don’t see. Trump has long been known for the brash, even vulgar way he sometimes speaks about women. He has also been dogged by allegations about sexual misconduct and extramarital affairs. Accusations of sexism plagued his 2016 presidential campaign, a race he won despite the October release of a video in which he bragged about being able to grab women by their genitals because he’s a celebrity.