This column originally appeared in The Amendment, a biweekly newsletter by Errin Haines, The 19th’s editor-at-large. Subscribe today for early access to her insights.
A Month Into Trump’s Administration: Women’s Perspectives
Just days prior to the election, Donald Trump assured his supporters that, as president, he intended to “protect the women of America.” In a bold declaration, he proclaimed, “I said, well, I’m gonna do it — whether the women like it or not,” despite some advisors advising against the statement.
In the initial month of his presidency, Trump has enacted several executive orders, claiming they honor his inaugural pledge to “end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life.”
Executive Actions Focusing on Gender
On his swearing-in day, Trump mandated that the federal government acknowledge only two genders in order to “defend women’s rights.” He furthered this mandate by prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, framing the order as a measure to ensure safe and fair participation for girls. This directive was notably signed on National Women and Girls in Sports Day, with mothers and daughters in attendance. Moreover, his administration’s initiatives included freezing federal grants vital for nonprofits supporting abuse victims and removing statistical data on maternal mortality, women’s workforce participation, and violence against Native women from federal resources.
Controversial Cabinet Appointments
Trump’s cabinet includes numerous men, such as former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (initial attorney general pick), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., all of whom have faced allegations of sexual misconduct. While they have denied these accusations, concerns linger regarding their potential impact on women’s governance.
Polls Reflect Public Opinion on Transgender Issues
According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll, a significant 64% of Americans — 69% of men and 60% of women — expressed support for Trump’s executive order regarding transgender athletes. Interestingly, 36% of Kamala Harris supporters were in favor of the order, compared to 93% of Trump voters, indicating cross-partisan agreement on this issue even among those who do not generally support him.
Women Respond to Trump’s Policies
Jaime Graham, a 47-year-old Atlanta resident and mother of an 8-year-old athlete, expressed her enthusiasm for the recent ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports. “The women’s sports issue was very motivating for me personally,” she stated, emphasizing her belief that Trump is addressing long-standing issues.
On the other hand, Diana Henneuse, a 60-year-old woman from Bellevue, Washington, who voted for Harris, lamented Trump’s focus on divisive issues instead of tackling unifying concerns such as the economy. “I have never felt that Donald Trump cares one ounce about women,” she asserted, highlighting her concerns regarding Trump’s disregard for human rights and the potential impact of his policies on women and girls.
Impact on DEI Programs and Job Security
Concerns about Trump’s moves to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and cut foreign aid programs were voiced by Henneuse. She highlighted the economic implications of such decisions, noting that many federal positions targeted by these changes are held by minority women, effectively sending a message of devaluation to a diverse workforce.
Anne-Marie Ashe, a Black woman and Harris supporter, voiced her anxiety about the aggressive nature of Trump’s policies, expressing that it feels like a concerted attack on women. “It’s overwhelming and feels like everything that was pushed forward is now rolling back based on one person’s perspective,” she said, emphasizing the urgency for Trump to engage with women on matters that affect them.
Women’s Experiences and Opinions
For Graham, the changes in the societal approach to gender have been unsettling. She expressed concern that terms like “birthing person” undermine women’s identities. However, she noted the necessity of a solution regarding transgender participation in sports, suggesting a dialogue to understand all viewpoints involved.
Ultimately, the actions taken by the Trump administration have introduced chaos into the lives of many, especially for those seeking gender-affirming care, support systems for domestic violence victims, and equitable job opportunities. The implications of Trump’s presidency signal a struggle for women and LGBTQ+ individuals to navigate their rights and safety in society.
