According to a Newsweek analysis of the latest Economist/YouGov poll, only 34% of American women currently back Trump – a figure signaling severe electoral risk for both the former president and Republicans eyeing 2024 victory. This erosion stems not from chance, but from Trump’s well-documented history of anti-women policies, misogynistic rhetoric, and systemic disregard for gender equality, cementing his status as one of modern America’s most polarizing figures.
By Faeze Aghamohammady
Why Women Are Abandoning Trump
- Pattern of Sexist Rhetoric
Trump has consistently demeaned women through public remarks, particularly targeting female politicians. His frequent suggestions that women achieve relevance through gender rather than merit (e.g., “If she were a man, no one would listen“) and disparagement of their appearance/competence reveal deep-seated bias. Critics argue his inclusion of women like press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre serves as tokenistic window-dressing rather than genuine respect for female leadership. - Economic Discrimination
Despite populist promises, Trump’s policies actively harmed women economically:
- Ignored support for single mothers, working mothers, and retiring women
- Prioritized male-dominated industries while widening the gender pay gap
- Cut access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities critical to women’s financial security
- Objectification & Toxic Remarks
Trump’s infamous comment about daughter Ivanka – “If she weren’t my daughter, I’d be dating her” – exemplified his sexualization of women, even within familial relationships. Such remarks sparked global condemnation and reinforced perceptions of Trump viewing women as sexual commodities.
The Electoral Impact: Why It Matters
Women constitute a decisive voting bloc, especially in battleground states. Trump’s cratering support among key demographics – young women, college-educated women, and economically active women – poses an existential threat:
- His policies alienated 66% of female voters
- He’s increasingly seen as an adversary of women’s rights
- Republicans risk downstream losses in congressional/state races
The Road Ahead
Each poll confirming Trump’s weakness among women reflects self-inflicted damage from years of gender-hostile rhetoric and discriminatory policies. This crisis of legitimacy endangers not just his comeback bid but the entire GOP’s electoral viability. As women mobilize against his agenda, Trump’s path to victory narrows dramatically.