For the past month,I sought out women who voted for President Trump in the 2016 election. My mission was to ask these female voters – who represent various regions across the country – the same six questions to better understand their perspective and to see if they still stand behind their vote.


I anticipated this might be difficult, but what I discovered along the way was that many were hesitant to speak out for fear of being ridiculed, worried that it might affect their personal and work relationships.

One woman was not interested in answering the questions, but did have this to say about the “silence" from female supporters of President Trump: “Being a slightly conservative woman in MSM is like being a communist in 1955. If anything, I hope you include in your story how difficult it is to find women who did vote for him to speak because we are treated like social pariah by anyone who didn't vote for him."

It took several weeks to find women willing to share their views, and the majority requested we not publish their names. There were a few who were proud of their vote and happy to attach their name to their responses, but for consistency and to prevent any potential targeting, I opted to make all the women anonymous. The below reveals their perspectives.

Northeast; Yoga Instructor; Early 30s
During the last election, did you openly express your support for President Trump?

Honestly, it was extremely difficult for me to be open about who I was voting for in most social settings, even though I was extremely informed politically and very involved in keeping up with the election. People assumed me to be the type of person who was in alignment with the super liberal vibes of NYC. A well-traveled 30-something female feminist yoga instructor who literally loves everyone, with friends from every walk of life, could only naturally be "with her," right?When I was open, or thought I was in a safe space to be open, more often than not I was judged or interrogated or argued with. It was expected, and I didn't take it personally after a while. I knew that I had to be true to myself, but knew that sometimes it was best to stay quiet rather than start conflict. There were a few people who truly stuck to their liberal/democratic ideals of tolerance and understanding, and I really found that refreshing and wonderful, as I respect, listen to and understand everyone's point of view. It's part of who I am as a practicing yogi.

I guess to make a long story short, I was really strategic about when to open my mouth based on the situation and the group I found myself in. It's hard for people to understand that someone who preaches and practices love could also be voting for Donald Trump.

What are the primary reasons you voted for President Trump?

Taking the risk for one big change for me was worth much more than more of the same. I honestly needed something completely different. I haven't loved the direction of our country over the last 30 years or so, honestly. Nothing had changed in Washington: same red tape, same greedy pockets, same old bull. I didn't love Donald Trump, but I said even if things got worse before they got better, at least we tried something different.

Did you have any concerns about a Trump presidency?

Oh, of course! He sticks his foot in his mouth – a lot. He's not an eloquent speaker, he's a pop culture icon with a very public past and a very specific reputation. He's unpredictable. He's done and said some things that are embarrassing and, well, straight up ridiculous; things I'm sure he's not proud of. Haven't we all though? Thank heavens my awful moments aren't on camera or the Internet because I'm sure I would be made into a villain among many other things. I thought he was genuine in his explanation of why he wanted to run. It was unbelievable to many, even me, but I thought maybe he can really get something done.

Do you believe that President Trump supports women and women's rights?

Yes, I do. I think he loves his wife and daughter, and granddaughter. I have seen many women talking about how he's a great boss, how he listens, how he's helped them or their families. His own daughter is his assistant, so he has to value her greatly! If I don't know someone personally, there's no way I can judge them on things I have heard in the media and the press. Even some things I have seen are twisted for an agenda or edited to fit the message, though some for sure are exactly what they are, and they're not great.

I personally think he treats women and men like they're on an equal playing field – no special treatment (as ugly as it may be sometimes). He tells it like it is, like it or not. I don't always like it myself, but I respect it. When he called Rosie O' Donnell a pig, that was his opinion and he had a right to it. Pretty? No. Real? Sure. He's called men plenty of names, as well. Also not pretty, but I've seen him do the same for both sexes. I'm not condoning the message or saying name-calling is acceptable here – just explaining why I don't think that comment made him a misogynist.

Are you happy with the job President Trump is doing?

In my head when I'm watching things unfold I say things like, “I really hope he's thinking this through;" “Be more transparent Donald;" "That tweet really wasn't necessary;" "Please just answer the question! Stop repeating yourself;" "Maybe try to tone it down now? You're really making yourself look bad and sound stupid;" "Please, please, please do what you say you're going to do for our country."

I do have frustrations, but overall change is actually happening for the first time in a long time. It might be in a messier, uglier, less refined package, but it's change nonetheless.

Do you still stand behind your vote?

Yes, I do. I really do. I've questioned it a few times, even been nervous, naturally, but I always come back to yes. What's done is done. This is where we are and there is no sense in looking back.

Anything else you'd like to add?

If you are part of a group that preaches tolerance and inclusivity, you can't choose who you want to include. It has to be everyone, including those who have different views than you.

Midwest; Stay At Home Mother; Early 30s
During the Last election, did you openly express your support for President Trump?

I openly expressed my support in general conversations with people, but steered clear of it on social media outlets as I always do with politics. Especially since it got so nasty this past election.

What are the primary reasons you voted for President Trump?

First, the thought of Hillary Clinton being president made me sick to my stomach. The way she talked about more gun control due to kids getting ahold of guns and dying, but supported abortions. Just no. Second, I won't lie that I wasn't Trump's biggest fan, but I stand behind my political party and always am a bit more on the conservative side. Third, I think he has the wisdom and knowledge to really help America from a financial aspect, and pray that all the other people appointed to other areas guide him in the right direction (healthcare, war, etc). Fourth, he was the underdog that no one thought stood a chance. He got less talk time in every debate and dogged for every possible thing. Yes, he chooses his words poorly at times, and has been derogatory towards women, but we all have skeletons in our closet and I believe he can be used in a good way. For Pete's sake, Bill Clinton cheated on Hillary and had so many cover ups, but no one batted an eye at that. Fifth, I truly wanted a change – a change in power, a change in positions. A positive change for America. I believe Obama and the media have segregated this country so much that I hope once people see what Trump is really about, it will close that gap and we can become the county we used to be.

Did you have any concerns about a Trump presidency?

I am concerned that healthcare is so ridiculously messed up that it will be hard for anyone to fix that. Wouldn't matter who the president is; I would still would have this concern.

Do you believe that President Trump supports women and women's rights?

I 100% believe he supports women and women's rights, and you can see that with his daughter. Enough said. Women need to get over themselves and stop thinking we are so poorly treated.

Are you happy with the job President Trump is doing?

It is way too early to answer this question, but so far yes.

Do you still stand behind your vote?

Absolutely.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I would've loved to see Ben Carson where Trump is at now, but Trump can't do any more damage to America than Obama did.

Southeast; Customer Service; Late 20s
During the election, did you openly express your support for President Trump?

Yes. I am not ashamed of what I believe or who I vote for.

What are the primary reasons you voted for President Trump?

I wanted a change in America. I liked that Trump was outside of the norm of politicians. He tells you what he thinks and isn't afraid to be different or defy the norm for candidates or politicians.

Did you have any concerns about a Trump presidency?

I have had concerns because of how much he has flip-flopped on things in the past. I also think that the reasons why I like him, can also hurt him.

Do you believe that President Trump supports women and women's rights?

I think this is very controversial with the things that Trump has done when running for office. However, I do think he supports women. I think the biggest example of that is Ivanka Trump and all that she does for him.

Are you happy with the job President Trump is doing?

Yes. I like the big moves he has made. I like that he is making a change and isn't afraid to speak out.

Do you still stand behind your vote?

Yes.

Midwest; Business Entrepreneur; Early 40s
During the election, did you openly express your support for President Trump?

No, I did not openly express support for Trump. Being an owner and operator of three small business, I would more than likely lose customers from the other side. Also, although I did vote for Trump, I don't know that I would say I was a big supporter. I truly did not know who I was going to vote for until I actually stood there at the table with the pen in my hand.

What are the primary reasons you voted for President Trump?

I was hoping for change. I also voted for Obama in 2008 hoping for the same thing. The way our government currently operates is disheartening. In the end, my vote was cast for an outsider. Someone who was going to change things up, and going to push to get things done. My biggest political agenda was that the the Affordable Care Act (ACA) isn't affordable for anyone I know. I also, do not agree with paying penalties for not having health insurance. I was hoping for a change to this program. Not sure I agree with the "new" plan either. I also know, our country cannot continue on the path that it is on. We simply cannot afford all the programs and regulations created by both Republicans and Democrats in the past. The fact that Trump is a businessman, and not a lawyer, made me hope that he would be able to look at our spending as a nation and cut the fluff. Sometimes I feel all the lawyers in the system try to make it more complicated than it needs to be.The fact that he thought he could win purely on confidence and business experience, without a large political party backing him, was quite amazing. He had very few supporters in the beginning – no one from even his own party. He said he was going to win the primaries and he did. After he won the primary, Republican officials still did not support him, and yet he persevered and triumphed. It's quite amazing that this could happen in our current two-party system. Lastly, I prefer that he skips the media, which is regularly biased to whichever side each channel works for. He may say things I don't agree with, but at least you know they weren't a modified version of real events.

Did you have any concerns about a Trump presidency?

Absolutely. He definitely says a lot of things I don't agree with, but that's not limited to him as a presidential candidate. I doubt I will ever vote for a president that I do not have some concerns about.

Do you believe that President Trump supports women and women's rights?

Again, I realize he has said inappropriate things about women, and to women. Which was one of the reasons I had issues with voting for him. However, I don't believe the way Hillary handled her husband's infidelity was supportive of women, either. I was also quite offended that I was expected to vote for Hillary just because I was also a woman. I vote for the issues, not the party or the candidate's gender. This, to me, was very offensive. Given the choice between the two, I hoped to choose the one who supported my policy views. I don't, however, believe Trump's priority is to take away women's rights.

Are you happy with the job President Trump is doing?

I'll be honest, I hardly watch any news any more. I am disappointed the Republicans don't have a better health care plan after seven years of preparation. However, I don't think you can put that all in Trump's hands. I would appreciate if he would think a bit longer before sending any tweets.

Do you still stand behind your vote?

Currently, I stand behind my vote. I don't think I will truly know if it was right or wrong for another three and a half years.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Just that I cross party lines. I'm not a Republican or a Democrat. I tend to lean towards the left on moral issues and the right on fiscal policy. I always vote, even in smaller local elections, and definitely educate myself on the candidates. But after building out our last business and the regulations and fees that had to be paid, I was heartbroken. This is supposed to be the land of opportunity where anyone can start a business with the right idea or recipe. That just isn't so anymore. There is so much regulation, taxation, and inspection; it's beyond comprehension unless you've been through it.

South; Preschool Teacher; Early 30s
During the election, did you openly express your support for President Trump?

I expressed my support for Trump to a select few people. I mostly spoke of my support of Trump to people who also supported him. I did not openly show my support to people who supported Clinton, because I wanted to avoid any conflict. I do not feel that friendships should be ruined because of political beliefs. I also feel that a lot of times, people are so closed minded to others' beliefs that they shut down and don't listen to another person's point of view.

What are the primary reasons you voted for President Trump?

I have two main reasons that I voted for Trump. One reason was I feel that if my religious beliefs differ from anyone else's, I am not allowed to express that. We are in a day and age where anything goes, and I don't believe I have the freedom to express my religious beliefs without being ridiculed. However, I do understand that controversy surrounding religious beliefs just comes with the territory and is as old as the beginning of time. I really want everyone to be accepting of each other regardless of beliefs and viewpoints, even if we don't agree with them or understand them. I want people to know that though I may not agree with their choices, lifestyles, or practices, I do love them, accept them, and I will continue to be kind to them no matter what. My second reason I voted for Trump was that I was scorned by Obamacare. My family had the Cadillac of insurance policies up until 2014. We relocated across the state and went from paying $360 a month to $925 a month. I feel that Obamacare caused this spike, and I voted for Trump because I wanted a change in healthcare. I do believe in a universal healthcare program, but I don't feel that the middle class should have to suffer and scrape by to make ends meet to make this happen. I hope someday that a plan can be put in place that will lower insurance premiums, and also offer reasonable healthcare to everyone in the United States.

Did you have any concerns about a Trump presidency?

Yes, I do have concerns about Trump's presidency. I often feel like Trump thinks with his heart, not his head. He says exactly what he is thinking, and sometimes we need to hold those thoughts inside. I also feel that President Trump is often too rash in his actions. He needs to spend less time on Twitter and worrying about what other people think or say about him, and really get down to focusing on "Making America Great Again."

Do you believe that Donald supports women and women's rights?

I don't think that Trump is focused too much on supporting women or women's rights. I do think that he supports women, in general. Of course, he wants women to thrive and succeed. I haven't seen any evidence that he doesn't support women. But, I don't think that he is focused on supporting women and women's rights at the forefront of his presidency. I didn't vote for Trump because I wanted more rights as a woman; I feel like I already have a lot of rights and can do most of the things that men can do.

Are you happy with the job President Trump is doing?

I cannot say that I am thrilled about the job Trump is doing right now. He is causing a lot of discontent in the world. I would prefer that everyone be in harmony, but it's not the case and is never going to be the case. I do realize that some of the things he is doing are necessary evils. Others won't feel that way, but Trump is doing a lot of the things that he said he was going to do.

Do you still stand behind your vote?

I still stand by my vote for Trump. Truth be told, I would have loved to have seen a different Republican on the ballot for president, but I voted for who I thought was the better of the two candidates.