What Does It Mean for Donald Trump to Apologize?

Hours after a 2005 videotape surfaced showing Donald Trump making vulgar comments about women, the Republican presidential nominee released a video taped statement in which he apologized for his words.

But for many following Trump’s campaign, it’s the first time they’ve ever heard him say anything that even resembles an apology.

In fact, despite getting in hot water for (among other things) body-shaming women and spewing false information in the past, the 70-year-old has rarely stopped to say he’s sorry.

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He told PEOPLE last year why he’s so reluctant to make that statement.

“I never like to say sorry because that means there’s a mistake,” Trump confessed. “But probably the last time I said sorry was a long time ago.”

The closest he’s got to admitting his mistakes in the past was in August, when he expressed regret over unspecified wrongs and “personal pain.”

“Sometimes in the heat of debate and speaking on a multitude of issues, you don’t choose the right words or you say the wrong thing,” Trump said. “I have done that. And believe it or not, I regret it. And I do regret it, particularly where it may have cause personal pain. Too much is at stake for us to be consumed with these issues.”

In addition to his remorse then, Trump also promised his supporters that he would always be honest with them.

In an interview with The Washington Post, College of William and Mary literature instructor Susan Wise Bauer called Trump’s language about regret “pretty pathetic.”

“‘Regret’ is about the weaseliest non-apology, non-confession word you can pick,” the Art of the Public Grovel author said. “You could ‘regret’ the fact it’s raining outside and have nothing to do with it.”

On Friday, Trump released a taped video statement where he apologized for his words and attacked Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband former president Bill Clinton for their views on women.

“I never said I’m a perfect person nor pretended to be someone that I’m not,” he said. “Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am. I said it, I was wrong and I apologize.”

“I’ve said some foolish things, but there’s a big difference between the words and actions of other people,” he continued. “Bill Clinton has actually abused women and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed and intimidated his victims.”

Since then, he’s stood by his campaign, telling The Washington Post Saturday that he’s survived past controversies during his career and plans to survive this one as well.

“I’ve been here before, I’ll tell ya, in life,” Trump said. “I understand life and how you make it through. You go through things. I’ve been through many. It’s called life. And it’s always interesting.”

He also said “thousands and thousands” of backers have sent him letters and emails since the tape was leaked — likely in support.

“You have no idea what it’s like,” said Trump. “So many people.”