Trump’s Presidential Victory Sparks Wave of Online Misogyny Targeting Women
Following Donald Trump’s controversial victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, women are reporting an alarming surge of misogynistic comments on social media. The former president's return to power, secured with 51% of the popular vote in a highly divisive campaign, has reignited debates around reproductive rights and gender equality.
“Your Body, My Choice” – A Dark Twist on a Feminist Slogan
Many women have taken to social media to expose how men are weaponizing the slogan “Your body, my choice” — a grim reversal of the feminist mantra championing reproductive rights in the 1960s. The phrase has been widely shared online since Trump’s election, often accompanied by threats and derogatory remarks.
White nationalist podcaster Nick Fuentes exacerbated the trend, posting, “Your body, my choice. Forever,” on X (formerly Twitter) as the election results unfolded. The phrase has since gone viral, especially on TikTok, where women report being inundated with comments implying their bodily autonomy is no longer theirs.
Your body, my choice. Forever.
— Nick Fuentes (@nickfuentes) November 6, 2024
Impact of Trump’s Policies on Reproductive Rights
Trump's influence on reproductive rights has been profound. All three Supreme Court justices he appointed voted to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, ending federal protections for abortion. This decision marked a significant victory for activists who fought to restrict reproductive rights and set the stage for stricter laws nationwide.
Women fear that Trump’s administration, alongside influential conservatives like Senator JD Vance, might push for a federal abortion ban. While Trump has claimed he would veto such a ban — insisting he’ll leave the matter to individual states — his messaging on the issue has been unclear. In the meantime, state-level restrictions have already reduced access to contraception, IVF treatments, and abortion services, with some healthcare providers facing criminal penalties.
Women Speak Out Against Online Harassment
Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for misogyny. Advocates like Hannah Cor, a prominent voice for women’s rights, expressed dismay at the vitriol being directed toward women:
“Comments like ‘Your body, our choice’ and ‘We own your body now’ are flooding social media. Men feel emboldened to hate women openly and without consequence.”
Influencers, too, are facing the brunt of this hostility. Camila Guadarrama, a popular TikToker, shared her experience:
“I had to delete a video because I was being threatened. Several men commented, saying they couldn’t wait for me to be harmed or declaring, ‘Your body, my choice.’”
@camichurro_123 ♬ original sound - 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐎𝐑𝚰𝐒
The pervasive hostility leaves many questioning how young women are supposed to navigate this hostile environment. One user on X noted:
“It’s clear this isn’t about politics or policies. It’s about controlling women.”
Reproductive Health Under Threat
The broader implications of these attitudes extend beyond social media. State-level abortion bans are exacerbating the healthcare crisis, with maternal mortality rates on the rise and fewer OBGYNs and abortion clinics available. These challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities, further widening health inequities.
For a deeper dive into what Trump’s presidency means for reproductive healthcare, read The Independent’s investigation here.