CW: discussions of sexual assault and abortion.
Lucy Matthews
Why would a woman vote for Donald Trump? Why would she vote for an individual who infamously spoke about grabbing women by the pussy and has been found liable for sexual abuse? Although it might seem strange, 40 per cent of women voted for Donald Trump in 2016.
It seems shocking support for Trump hasn’t waned over the years, especially with the latest trial regarding him sleeping with porn star Stormy Daniels. At the time, Trump was married to and expecting a child with wife Melania. Rather than hiding his sexist tendencies, like most politicians, he has embraced them publicly.
What is the driving force behind female voters’ ideologies? Why do they want a man who has been put on trial repeatedly for harming women in the White House? Who are the women voting for Donald Trump?
Donald Trump Manipulates The Media
Support from Trump stems from his brain-washing capabilities and ability to twist the news in his favour. In the 1980s, Trump occasionally used a fake name and pretended to be a spokesman representing himself when the media pressed him. Using this method, he crafted deliberate messages without connecting his name to the story.
Controlling the narrative around persona in this way is calculated, yet extremely beneficial, when faced with a scandal. In 2023, Trump faced a civil case where he was found liable for sexually abusing writer E Jean Carrol in a department store 31 years ago. When Republican women were asked for their reactions, their support showcased how successful his media tactics are.
” Supporters argue Trump’s personal life does not detract from his ability to enact policies and lead the country in a direction they support.”
One woman stated: “He is a compassionate person who cares tremendously about the United States.” Another said: “I do not believe that Trump would ever do anything like this and I am 100 per cent on his side.”
It is a hard listen, especially when the evidence of misogyny is laid bare in plain sight. Infamously, Trump stated: “I’m automatically attracted to beautiful women. I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it.”
Separating The Personal And The Political
In her 2018 article, Dottie Cerik states: “We may not always approve of Trump’s tweets or comments but we do approve of the many positive changes that have occurred during his presidency.”
Going on to discuss Roe V Wade, Cerik iterates moderate women want regulations that protect the unborn at a stage of life when they could survive. It seems ironic that Trump’s ethics regarding foetuses are enough to forget about his ethics regarding the female bodies he has taken advantage of.
Scepticism of media reporting, partnered with their belief that being convicted of a crime is a ‘private issue’, might put Trump in office again this coming election. Supporters argue Trump’s personal life does not detract from his ability to enact policies and lead the country in a direction they support. It was naïve to think Trump’s stand-off with Stormy Daniels would put him in the bad books of die-hard female Republican voters. Compartmentalisation allows them to overlook the personal misconduct of a man who continues to be in ultimate control of his narrative.
The Polls Say It All
When analysing voter motivations in men and women, beliefs linked to racism and sexism were the key determinants for whether or not many voters supported Trump. They were just as powerful in shaping women’s voting choices as they were for men. Women with the highest levels of sexism were 54 per cent more likely to support Trump than those who expressed no sexist attitudes.
It all comes down to the same verdict: women voted for Trump for the same reason men voted for Trump. He hasn’t invested in campaigns directly targeted at bringing in women. Neither has he publicly apologised for the mistreatment of women in the past.
“We often forget women are not immune from the influence of sexist and hateful attitudes”
He has simply had to talk his talk and men and women alike have followed. Prospect puts it best: “The reason for Trump’s unconditional support from his base is simple. The former president champions outdated gender roles that many on the far-right admire.”
In the world of #MeToo, female Trump supporters perceive victims of assault as ‘liars’ and ‘troublemakers’. Some incorrectly label their assault as a result of ‘promiscuity’. Their voter tastes are riddled with traditional vitriol, enhanced by a leader who fuels their anti-feminist, far-right fantasies.
What Does The Future Hold?
In 1920, America granted women’s suffrage. In 2024, we are on the cusp of the re-election of an individual who continues to put us back to a time before 1920. Trump has played an instrumental role in the silencing of sexual assault survivors’ stories. He hugely diminishes the work of progressive feminist movements.
We often forget women are not immune from the influence of sexist and hateful attitudes. Female Trump supporters paint a clear picture of this. Would the women who cast their vote in 1920 hang their heads seeing such an individual in control? Or would they be a part of the 40 per cent putting him in office?
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Featured image courtesy of Natilyn Photography via Unsplash. No changes made to this image. Image license found here.
Lucy Matthews
Hi! I am Lucy and I enjoy writing satirical and conversational pieces of writing. I am inspired by the likes of Marina Hyde and Dolly Alderton, and my dream is to be a magazine columnist. Whether it is political commentary or analysis on why Beyonce is transforming the music industry, I will always have something to say. I hope you enjoy my writing.