The election of Donald Trump as President, accompanied by the potential nomination of figures like Matt Gaetz for key administration roles, has ignited significant concern within the survivor community. Trump and Gaetz, along with other cabinet picks, have faced allegations of sexual misconduct, prompting fears about how their leadership might shape policies on survivor support services, legal protections, and advocacy efforts.
Trump and Gaetz: Controversial Histories
Donald Trump has a documented history of allegations related to sexual misconduct. A Manhattan jury in May 2023 found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, resulting in a $5 million settlement. Over 26 women have come forward with allegations ranging from sexual harassment to assault against Trump, spanning decades. These allegations raise questions about how a Trump administration might ignore—or reverse—survivor protections.
Florida Congressman and Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz has also faced scrutiny. He was under federal investigation for allegations of sex trafficking involving a minor, although no charges were filed. The House Ethics Committee had been in the process of examining claims of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use against Gaetz. (Now that Gaetz resigned from his congressional seat, it is unclear whether the investigation will resume.) Critics argue that such a figure leading the Department of Justice could undermine public trust in the agency’s handling of sexual abuse cases.
Another Trump cabinet nominee stands accused of sexual assault. Peter Hegseth, co-host of Fox News’s Fox & Friends Weekend program and pick for Secretary of Defense, was accused of acting inappropriately with a woman in 2017 in Monterey, CA. Hegseth has defended himself by saying that the allegation stemmed from a consensual encounter. He characterized the episode as “he-said, she-said,” Vanity Fair reported.
Survivor Allies Exist On Both Sides Of The Political Divide
It’s important that survivors and their allies not paint all politically-conservative people with one broad stroke. Allies exist on both sides of the aisle, even though it may seem like the number of people on the “right” that will prioritize or strengthen survivors’ rights is zero. All it takes is one ally to make a difference, no matter which political party they identify with.
Moreover, there are conservative-leaning survivor advocates who are concerned about these nominations. Take for instance, the legal scholar and Professor of Jurisprudence, Robert P. George, who is the Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, a trustee of the Heritage Foundation, and boardmember of several institutions, including the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
Of Gaetz’s nomination, George wrote on the X platform:
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), on whose board of directors I have the honor to serve, has written to the Senate Judiciary Committee to express its grave concerns about the nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General:
— Robert P. George (@McCormickProf) November 15, 2024
"As an elected member of Congress, Mr.…
Advocacy Organizations Voice Concerns
Survivor advocacy groups, including the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), have expressed apprehension about what this incoming administration means for survivors. RAINN has emphasized that accountability must apply to all individuals, regardless of their position of power. Meanwhile, survivors themselves have voiced fears of being marginalized under leadership figures who have faced serious allegations. A recent Guardian article highlighted concerns over possible rollbacks to Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in federally funded education programs. Title IX has been crucial for addressing campus sexual assault, offering survivors protections and pathways to justice within educational institutions.
The Future of Survivor Advocacy Organizations
The incoming administration is likely to result in an increased workload for survivor advocacy organizations. These groups may find themselves responding to fears about decreased funding for survivor services, lobbying for continued federal support, and helping survivors navigate a potentially more challenging legal landscape. Advocacy organizations could also see heightened volunteer engagement as survivors and allies channel their frustrations into action.
Impact on Survivor Legislation
The Trump administration’s return could have far-reaching implications for survivor legislation. In addition to potential rollbacks of Title IX protections, concerns include diminished enforcement of laws addressing workplace harassment, and a possible deprioritization of funding for survivor programs. Legal nonprofits and private attorneys assisting survivors may face additional challenges, particularly if the administration weakens federal oversight or decreases financial support for cases involving sexual violence.
Why Did Trump Win Despite Being a Known Predator?
Donald Trump’s victory, despite his long history of allegations involving sexual misconduct, has understandably sparked frustration and reflection among advocates for survivors of sexual violence. Marissa Hoechstetter, a leading voice behind New York’s landmark Adult Survivors Act, believes the win highlights a deeper societal issue: sexual violence is not seen as a disqualifying factor for leadership. “It reaffirms that sexual violence is tolerated and it’s not disqualifying,” Hoechstetter told the Guardian.
She argues that Trump’s win negates much of the work done to hold him accountable, potentially deterring other survivors from coming forward. Erica Vladimer, co-founder of the Sexual Harassment Working Group, echoed this sentiment, saying she wasn’t surprised but deeply disheartened. “Until our institutions and those in power say this is not OK, we’ll continue to see men like Trump amass power,” Vladimer told the Guardian. Both advocates emphasize that Trump’s victory underscores the persistent cultural and institutional permission structures that minimize sexual violence, leaving survivors feeling unsupported and betrayed by societal priorities.
Ultimately, however, the reality is that most voters prioritized other issues like the economy and the border. Vladimer told The Guardian, “I have never been under this illusion that the fact that Trump is a serial sexual harasser and a sexual abuser was top of mind for most voters,” she said, adding, “And yet, that does not make this gut punch any easier to stomach.”
Channeling Anger into Advocacy
Survivors can take an active role in shaping their own futures by volunteering within advocacy groups, helping to amplify survivor voices, and influencing public discourse. Grassroots movements have historically proven effective in maintaining and expanding rights, even in politically challenging climates.
Navigating Fear and Uncertainty
It is natural for survivors to feel anxious or fearful about an administration with leaders accused of sexual misconduct and assault. Advocates such as the National Sexual Violence Resource Center encourage survivors to channel these emotions into proactive self-care and community involvement.
For instance, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center offers self-care recommendations curated by 15 survivors and broken down into categories such as self-expression, therapeutic practices including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and affirmations.
In addition, research supports mindfulness and nature exposure as beneficial coping strategies for trauma survivors. A study in Clinical Psychology Review found that mindfulness practices significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, while nature-based therapies, such as the Japanese technique of forest bathing, have been shown to aid emotional regulation and recovery.
The incoming second iteration of the Trump administration raises legitimate concerns for survivors. Yet, it’s crucial to remain steadfast in the belief that progress for survivors’ rights is possible. Advocacy organizations, legal professionals, and survivors themselves have continually demonstrated resilience and determination in the fight for justice and protections. By staying engaged, vigilant and optimistic, survivors and their allies can help ensure that the movement for survivors’ rights continues to advance.