'Sexual assault and boasts about "grabbing" females: Why do women still vote for Donald Trump?'

America was supposed to elect its first female president in 2016.

National polls, media elites, and political scientists all pointed to a victory. They were buoyed by 's alleged affair with a porn star and the leaking of videotape that showed him boasting how he would “grab” women without permission. What then followed were dozens of allegations against him by women, with one, E Jean Carroll, taking him to court for sexual assault and winning a multi-million dollar civil judgment.

Yet today, statistics show Trump continues to earn the vote of millions of women - particularly those who are white. Constantly, outsiders ask why for those voters the answer isn’t as baffling as it seems.

While the former president’s antics are enough to make most of us cringe, some women – millions, in fact – see something beyond the scandals and casual chauvinism. To them, Trump is more than a politician; he’s a defender of their values, their wallets, and, crucially, their America. His support among women isn’t a mystery if you consider their everyday priorities.

Take the economy. Women who are working mothers, business owners, or just trying to get by, know that his promises on taxes and deregulation weren’t just bluster. His economic policies spoke and continue to speak directly to those who felt strangled by red tape and high taxes.

For them - although not quite as they perceive - Trump delivered, and that’s more important than anything he’s said on Twitter. Then there’s the issue of religion and social conservatism. Trump, for all his faults, has unwavering support from conservative and evangelical communities. To these women, he’s a fierce defender of religious freedoms and traditional values, taking a strong stance on issues like abortion.

In his judicial appointments, women saw a future they could believe in – one where their beliefs aren’t brushed aside by progressive change. Trump’s appeal is fueled by a fight against what he and his followers see as an overreaching “woke” agenda. Many women in his camp feel under attack by shifting social norms and view Trump as the last line of defence for a way of life they cherish.

His “outsider” appeal also cannot be understated. Trump is seen as a battering ram against a political establishment that many feel has forgotten them. When he rails against the “swamp,” he’s tapping into a deep-seated frustration with politics as usual. For women who feel the system is rigged, he’s the megaphone amplifying their anger.

And while most of us might wince at Trump’s bombastic style, some see it as a mark of strength. His no-holds-barred approach, his willingness to call out “fake news” – it’s seen as fearlessness in a political world full of phonies. These women see in him a leader who’s willing to break the mould, for better or worse.

Many also believe he is unfairly targeted. His supporters – women included – believe he’s been unfairly demonised by the media and the courts. They think they have a bone to pick, and that every scandal and every soundbite is taken out of context. To them, the coverage is just another reason to back him; it’s David versus Goliath, with Trump playing the unlikely hero.

Finally, there’s his “America First” mantra. For some, this resonates hard. They see Trump as the one leader who has truly put American interests first, from claiming he will bring back jobs to restructuring trade deals. Women in struggling communities feel he’s the one willing to defend their towns, their families, and their livelihoods.