Donald Trump is doubling down on his messaging to women voters in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, positioning himself as their “protector.” Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania on September 23, 2024, Trump made sweeping claims about the state of women in America and promised drastic improvements if he wins the election.
“Women are poorer, less safe, and less healthy now than they were four years ago,” Trump declared. The former President added that under his leadership, women would experience improved well-being, greater health, confidence, and a sense of freedom.
Despite making bold promises, Trump’s statements have been met with skepticism, particularly regarding abortion. Trump, who has frequently praised the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, indicated that if he is re-elected, the issue of abortion would no longer occupy women’s concerns. At a rally, he added that women would no longer feel abandoned or afraid, and the states would appropriately handle the matter of abortion.
The reaction from women voters, however, has been mixed. Polls show a significant gender gap, with many women favoring Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump. According to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll, Harris leads Trump by 52% to 31% among female voters.
At his rally, Trump asserted that Democrats are advocating for extreme abortion measures, including the claim that they support the execution of a baby after birth. This assertion has been thoroughly discredited, and Vice President Harris addressed it during their recent debate, criticizing Trump’s remarks as a harmful distraction from his policies, which she argued have consistently hurt women.
At the same time, Trump positioned himself as more moderate on abortion compared to other Republicans. While many in his party have pushed for a national abortion ban, Trump has argued that individual states should make the decision. This position has generated both support and criticism within conservative groups, where opinions differ on how strict abortion restrictions should be.
As he continues to rally his supporters, Trump remains under fire for past legal issues involving accusations of sexual abuse. Earlier this year, a jury found him responsible for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, resulting in a $5 million damages award. Despite this, Trump remains resolute, frequently asserting his role as a protector of women.
His efforts to gain the support of female voters are expected to be crucial in the 2024 election. With abortion rights being a major issue and polls showing a significant gender divide, it remains to be seen if his promises of protection and empowerment will gain traction with women. Although Trump continues to pledge significant changes, many voters remain skeptical, recalling the effects his policies have had on women’s rights in the past.
