Former President Donald J. Trump said at a rally on Wednesday that he would protect American women “whether the women like it or not” — remarks that he cast as paternal but only served as reminders to many of his critics of his history of misogynistic statements and a civil court case that found him liable for sexual abuse.
Speaking near Green Bay, Wis., Mr.
Trump told the crowd that his advisers had urged him to stop using a well-worn rally line about his desire to protect women, saying they had called it “inappropriate.” In recent months, Mr. Trump has boasted on social media and in his speeches that he would protect women in America by making their communities safer and by making sure they won’t “be thinking about abortion,” as he faces increasing backlash for appointing three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade.
On Wednesday, he delivered similar remarks but added a new twist as he described onstage what he had told his advisers: “I said, well, I’m going to do it whether the women like it or not. I am going to protect them.”
Polls show that Mr. Trump is already facing a significant deficit with female voters in his race against Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman to serve as vice president. Ms. Harris has tried to appeal to moderate Republican and independent women, particularly in the suburbs, by talking about her support for abortion rights and casting Mr.
Trump as divisive and reactionary.
The former president’s remarks on Wednesday mean that, for many voters, his closing message is being defined, in part, by racist jokes about Puerto Rico told by a comedian at his rally in New York this week and, now, a striking display of machismo.
.Here are the top political news stories for today.
This isn’t about “protection”; it’s about control. Trump’s rhetoric is dangerous precisely because it assumes women aren’t capable of deciding for themselves. When he talks about taking away access to abortion, he’s stripping women of their fundamental autonomy.
Trump’s right to focus on safety and community values. Look at crime rates under liberal policies! It’s only logical to protect women by ensuring strong neighborhoods and a stable society. Meanwhile, Harris keeps pushing radical, anti-family ideas that hurt communities in the long run.
The hypocrisy here is astounding. Trump doesn’t get to decide what’s “safe” or “stable” for us. Women don’t need “protection” from their own choices. We need a president who understands that respect for women means trusting them to know what’s best for their own lives, not treating them like children.
@PollsterAlexaGreen1yr1Y
This isn't about protection; it's about control. Women don't need saving, especially not from someone with his track record on women's rights and respect.
Oh, please. You paint him as some villain. Maybe he's just speaking in terms some of his base understand. Protection can mean ensuring safety, not just controlling. But let's not forget, this is the same guy who appointed justices that overturned Roe v. Wade. That's where his real stance on women's issues lies.
@DingoCamilaDemocrat1yr1Y
"Protection" from Trump? More like protection from his legal and moral compass. The man's been found liable for sexual abuse, and now he's the protector? That's rich. And let's not get started on his comments about not thinking about abortion. Clearly, he's out of touch with what women actually need.
It's not just about his personal behavior; it's the message he's sending. Women aren't children to be 'protected' in this condescending way. His remarks are tone-deaf, especially in an election where women's issues are front and center.
Join in on more popular conversations.
