As the results of the 2024 presidential election show, the gender gap has reached new depths. It is evidence that the United States is more divided than ever along gender lines.

Former President Donald Trump has returned to power. He defeated Kamala Harris, a historic figure campaigning for reproductive rights, healthcare, and equality. The outcome is a sobering reminder that the world Margaret Atwood warned of in The Handmaid’s Tale is closer to our reality than we’d like to admit.

Today, we are witnessing the so-called “free world” led by a man who has been found liable for sexual abuse—a bitter pill for countless women who fought to elect a leader who understands their lived realities and respects their fundamental rights.

Gender Gap Exposes Stark Differences in Priorities

This election solidified the growing gulf in how American men and women perceive leadership, rights, and progress. Exit polls show a deeply divided nation: Harris garnered a 16-point advantage among female voters, capturing 57% of their support. For his part, Trump took an 18-point lead among male voters. This 34-point gender gap is no longer just about political leanings. It is an unmistakable clash of core values, underscoring how differently men and women envision the future of America.

Kamala Harris made a point of centering women’s rights in her campaign, particularly after the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. She positioned herself as a defender of a woman’s autonomy, health, and dignity. She challenged restrictive laws that have gutted reproductive rights. Her campaign slogan, “Freedom,” wasn’t just a word. It was a call for equality and the right to make personal decisions without interference. As she put it, “Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?”

Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign ducked and dodged these critical issues. He framed abortion rights as a “state matter” and used evasive language to sidestep his history with women’s rights altogether. His disinterest was evident when he told reporters on Election Day, “Just stop talking about it,” referring to his vote in Florida’s referendum to extend the state’s abortion ban.

Despite his attempts to steer clear of the issue, Trump’s track record speaks for itself. Since his previous term, 13 states have enacted total abortion bans, further marginalizing women, especially those who are already vulnerable, including Latinas and Black women.

A Nation Divided by Gender: An “Angry American Man” vs. Women’s Rights

Trump’s strategy wasn’t subtle; it leaned heavily into rhetoric that many view as openly misogynistic and dismissive of women’s concerns. His running mate, Senator JD Vance, made it clear with inflammatory remarks attacking the character of female leaders. Trump himself called Harris “dumb” and spread vulgar insinuations about her on his platform, Truth Social, in August. This calculated hostility goes beyond campaign fodder. It’s an insult to every woman fighting to be seen and respected in her own country.

This election was a continuation of what some call the “revenge of the angry American man.” For many, this brand of masculinity embodies opposition to gender equality, rights, and autonomy. These voters see the advancements of women’s rights as a threat rather than progress. And their support of Trump reveals a profound resentment toward women’s voices and priorities. In contrast, the majority of women voting for Harris saw this election as a fight for the survival of their rights, their health, and their futures.

Trump’s Sexual Abuse Liability: A Dark Stain on American Leadership

Adding a deeply troubling layer to Trump’s return to power is the fact that he was recently found liable for sexual abuse against E. Jean Carroll. The 2023 civil trial confirmed what so many women in America already felt—that the country is willing to excuse or ignore violence against women if it benefits certain men in power.

Carroll’s story, corroborated by evidence and personal accounts, is a sobering reminder that America has elected a leader with a proven history of sexual misconduct.

The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages for Trump’s abuse and defamation. Yet, this conviction seems to mean little to a significant portion of the electorate. The implications are undoubtedly chilling. A man who has violated women’s rights personally and publicly is once again at the helm of the nation. As Carroll herself declared after the trial, her victory was not only for her but for every woman who “has suffered because she was not believed.”

However, despite the verdict, the country appears willing to disregard Trump’s actions, choosing instead to endorse his contemptuous view of women.

The Fallout of the Gender Gap on Reproductive Rights

As Trump takes office, advocates for women’s rights fear an even more aggressive erosion of reproductive freedoms. The Guttmacher Institute has shown that since the fall of Roe v. Wade, countless women have faced financial and logistical barriers just to access basic reproductive healthcare. Over 168,000 women crossed state lines last year alone to obtain an abortion. This was proof enough of the widening health disparity that restrictive policies create. But, perhaps, not for men willing to vote for their own interests.

Lupe M. Rodríguez, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, voiced her dismay, saying, “Instead of celebrating our first woman of color president, we are reminded of the racism, xenophobia, and bigotry that has marred this country since its founding.” Her words echo the sentiments of many who feel that Trump’s return represents a backlash against the progress women have fought for.

Women of Color Bear the Brunt of Reproductive Restrictions

Under Trump’s renewed leadership, many fear that access to safe abortion and reproductive health will become even more limited, particularly for women of color. According to Guttmacher data, Black, Latina, and low-income women already face the harshest consequences of abortion restrictions, as they often lack the resources to navigate the hurdles that restrictive laws create. Medication abortions, while becoming more accessible through telehealth, still face heavy opposition, and more state-level bans are expected.

The risks and inequities for women of color will only increase if Trump follows through on promises to support anti-abortion legislation at the federal level. For advocates, this fight is about far more than access to healthcare. It’s about the right to dignity and control over their own bodies, a right that Trump’s supporters seemingly have little regard for.

Beyond Reproductive Rights: Divided Realities on Economy and Democracy

This election has shown that the gender gap goes beyond reproductive rights—it extends to all areas of life. For men who supported Trump, the primary concerns were the economy and immigration. A sort of fixation on financial stability and security. Yet, Harris’ female supporters overwhelmingly prioritized democracy and the preservation of civil rights.

In an America divided, women and men are living in fundamentally different realities. This election made that clear, with men and women often seeing opposite paths forward. Trump’s campaign catered to men frustrated by the visibility of women’s issues. For its part, Harris’ campaign appealed to women who see equality and justice as non-negotiable.

Resilience in the Face of Setbacks

Despite Trump’s victory, there is a growing movement for justice and rights that will continue, even in the face of adversity. Rodríguez puts it plainly: “They may have the moment, but we have the movement.” The anger and frustration felt by countless women today may be a setback, but it is also a rallying cry for those determined to continue the fight for equality, dignity, and autonomy. At a time when fundamental freedoms are at stake, the call to action has never been louder, nor has the resolve been stronger.

This gender gap isn’t going away; if anything, it’s a sign that the country is at a tipping point. The fight for justice, health, and equality will continue, driven by a movement that refuses to allow the rights of half the population to be erased by a minority clinging to outdated views and power. For every woman who feels betrayed today, the message is clear: this isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a larger fight for a more just and equal society.

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