In a recent rally, Donald Trump took his so-called commitment to “protecting” women to a chilling extreme. Speaking in Wisconsin, he declared he would protect women “whether the women like it or not” if he wins a second term. His words, far from reassuring, offer a stark glimpse into his mindset. This mindset views women not as autonomous beings but as entities to be controlled and managed, often against their will. Trump’s comment is just the latest addition to a long history of actions and statements that reveal a more profound goal: ultimate control over women’s bodies and futures.
This rhetoric isn’t new for Trump. His track record shows a troubling pattern of appointing judges and enacting policies that strip women of reproductive autonomy. His Supreme Court appointments ultimately led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, dismantling decades of precedent protecting a woman’s right to make choices about her own body. In states across the country, laws are now in place that force women—even survivors of rape and incest—to carry pregnancies to term. Women face harrowing situations and are denied the ability to make decisions, even in life-threatening cases. All of this happened under a legal framework that Trump helped build, and his recent words suggest that he intends to expand this control further if re-elected.
One story that haunts this reality is that of a 10-year-old girl in Ohio who, after being raped, was forced to travel out of state to receive an abortion. Under Ohio’s strict abortion laws, bolstered by the anti-choice climate Trump’s presidency fostered, this young girl’s life was upended. Instead of empathy or protection, she encountered obstacles, prioritizing political agendas over her wellbeing. Stories like hers are devastatingly common in states where the right to choose has been legislated away, often with Trump’s approval and encouragement.
Then there is the story of a woman in Texas whose pregnancy complications became a battle not only for her health but for her survival. Even as her body fought infection and faced critical medical risks, her doctors delayed life-saving care due to restrictive laws. Trump’s recent declaration in Wisconsin—his pledge to “protect” women whether they like it or not—is a terrifying reminder that these laws are not about safety but about control. In Trump’s view, women do not have the authority to decide what is best for their bodies or lives; he has taken on the role of “protector” in a way that dismisses their voices altogether.
Trump’s recent comment exemplifies his disregard for women’s autonomy. From his infamous statement about being able to “grab” women without consequence to his repeated dismissal of women’s bodily autonomy, Trump has consistently shown that he sees women as beings to be “protected” and managed according to his agenda. His words in Wisconsin serve as a chilling precursor to what another term could bring: deeper restrictions, harsher punishments, and fewer rights for women across the country.
This isn’t about protecting women’s health or wellbeing—it’s about imposing control. Women’s stories of hardship, resilience, and survival should be a wake-up call to voters everywhere. If we allow Trump to retake the White House, we are giving him the green light to tighten his grip on women’s lives, choices, and bodies, all under the guise of “protection.” Women deserve better than a president who speaks of them as though they’re unable to make decisions for themselves. Women deserve freedom, not control.
Trump’s legacy is already one of devastating consequences for women, and his recent comments reveal his intent to continue down that path. The stakes are clear: this election is about protecting women’s right to choose, to live fully, and to be free. We cannot allow Trump to write a future where women’s autonomy is erased under the pretense of “protection.” Women’s lives and freedoms are too meaningful, and they deserve to be defended—not controlled.
