In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election victory, social media has witnessed a significant surge in misogynistic rhetoric, according to a recent report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a London-based think tank. This alarming trend has manifested particularly in the right-wing online circles, where phrases like “your body, my choice” have been appropriated as a mocking retort to the longstanding reproductive rights slogan “my body, my choice.” Initially popularized by the white nationalist Nick Fuentes, this phrase became pervasive among far-right commentators, especially those responding to women expressing distress over the election results. The report highlights a staggering increase in the phrase’s mention across social media platforms, indicating a 4,600% rise in specific terms within a 24-hour window following Trump’s victory.
The normalization of such misogynistic language is concerning, not only due to its prevalence online but also because it appears to influence behavior in offline settings. Reports have surfaced of young men repeating the phrase in schools, illustrating the tangible impacts of this toxic discourse. The phenomenon exemplifies how swiftly online influencers, who often perpetuate hate, can affect real-world attitudes and behaviors, particularly among impressionable young audiences. Isabelle Frances-Wright, a co-author of the report, emphasized the potential long-lasting consequences these trends could have on societal attitudes toward women and reproductive rights, especially as they could extend beyond the immediate political climate into future electoral processes.
The election highlighted a pronounced gender divide, with Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign underscoring reproductive rights as a pivotal issue. Exit polling data revealed that Trump garnered 45% of female votes, a notable increase compared to his previous performance in 2020. This shift comes amidst a backdrop of misogynistic attacks directed at Harris throughout her campaign. Trump’s remarks, which suggested that world leaders would view Harris as a “play toy,” alongside derogatory advertisements from his supporters, illustrate how misogyny has been weaponized politically during this election cycle.
Furthermore, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue report aligns with broader patterns of hate speech and derogatory language that have been increasingly normalized in political discourse since Trump’s re-election. Many propagators of extremist views, particularly from what is dubbed the “manosphere,” have found renewed confidence in expressing misogynistic sentiments. This group often promotes traditional male stereotypes and disparages women’s rights. Their rhetoric and tactics have shifted in response to the political climate, leveraging Trump’s victory as affirmation for their ideologies, thereby embedding these harmful attitudes more deeply into public consciousness.
The reach of misogyny extended beyond mere comments, as there were alarming instances of racist and threatening communications directed at minority communities following Trump’s victory. Numerous Black individuals received unsolicited messages that harkened back to the nation’s historical injustices. While investigations were launched to understand the origins of these messages, the coordinated effort reflects a broader culture of hatred that seems emboldened by recent political events. This trend aligns with the elevation of extremist voices and the communication of derogatory ideas which, when unchallenged, risk normalizing discrimination and misogyny within the societal fabric.
While many women online are pushing back against this rhetoric—using platforms like TikTok to expose and resist misogynistic comments—guidance from moderators remains inconsistent. While TikTok has confirmed its commitment to community guidelines against hate speech, the effectiveness of enforcement remains critical in addressing this issue. As these misogynistic ideologies gain traction, the long-term implications for women’s rights and societal norms surrounding gender equality demand urgent attention and action to counteract the harmful narratives that threaten to undermine progress made toward gender equity in recent decades.
