The Media’s Latest Buzzword: Misogyny

By Gillian Thorp

Since Trump’s return to the political stage, “misogyny” has become a frequent term in legacy media discourse. Stephanie McNeal, writing for Glamour, just weeks into the year, declared that “Misogyny Is 2025’s Biggest Trend,” lamenting that “it feels like every day there’s another viral example of misogynistic rhetoric, actions, or controversy — and we haven’t even gotten through January yet.”

The Washington Post ran an opinion piece titled “Trump’s Misogyny Reaps Diminishing Returns,” while the Hill’s hit piece, “Trump Claims He Will Protect Women — Women Need to Protect Themselves from Trump,” argues that his “misogyny has been magnified” and that his “degrading objectification” of half the American population makes him “dangerous.”

The Atlantic issued warnings about the broader implications with pieces like “Trump’s Misogyny Won’t Just Harm Women” and “Four More Years of Unchecked Misogyny.” Politico has even attributed Trump’s victory to “digital misogyny,” claiming that memes and online rhetoric targeted female candidates like Kamala Harris. And there’s Glamour’s latest theatrical headline, “Why Taylor Swift Getting Booed at the Super Bowl Was Even More Chilling Than You Think.”

The author, McNeal, ties in a wave of so-called misogyny and even gives an example of Mark Zuckerberg’s comment that companies need more “masculine energy” (which, oddly, she links to Trump — despite Zuckerberg’s well-documented support for Democrats).

What is Misogyny?

Misogyny is defined as “hatred of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.” It’s a serious accusation that demands careful application, especially when used in political contexts with broad implications.

Examining the Media’s Narrative

Oversimplifying complex social issues like “misogyny” through sensationalized headlines and sweeping generalizations isn’t just misleading; it’s dangerous. When media outlets declare every cultural or political moment as proof of a “war on women,” they don’t just distort reality — they undermine real cases of discrimination and abuse. This rhetoric fosters fear, division, and political weaponization, doing a disservice to the very people the media claims to protect.

Take for example McNeal’s absurd claim that Taylor Swift being booed at the Super Bowl is evidence of rising misogyny. This narrative is not only false — it’s intellectually dishonest. After speaking with both men and women, the overwhelming sentiment is clear: the backlash wasn’t about Swift being a woman — it was about frustration with celebrity culture overshadowing sports and influencing politics.

Football fans tune in for the game, not for Taylor Swift. They didn’t buy tickets or turn on their TVs to see a pop star repeatedly plastered across their screens. They wanted football, not media-driven spectacles. Many fans took to social media after the Super Bowl to explain their frustration. As @lostpatriotdad put it: “Nobody cares about Taylor Swift but her fans. She’s annoying and shouldn’t be near sports and/or politics because we don’t want to see her. That’s why she was booed.”

Beyond the game, many Americans are fed up with out-of-touch celebrities pushing political agendas while living in multimillion-dollar mansions.

As @HugoVale_ stated on X: “A celebrity who had an easy life, never worked, never built anything, never struggled should never tell us who to vote for. She doesn’t represent Americans. And it’s not just her, it’s most celebrities.”

And @SDGEricScott captured a growing sentiment: “People are booing not just Taylor Swift, but the system that exponentially boosts her. We are seeing an entire system that is an edifice — fake, paper-thin, an army of people who are being told to love her and do as they are told.”

Through my research and discussions, it’s clear that this backlash has nothing to do with misogyny. The real issue is a growing frustration with manufactured cultural icons, corporate-driven narratives, and the constant politicization of entertainment.

Personal Reflections and Weaponizing Misogyny

As someone who endured childhood abuse at the hands of a true misogynist, the term “misogyny” resonates deeply with me. It should never be used lightly or as a political tool for scoring points in ideological battles. It signifies real oppression, actual harm and carries the weight of real suffering. Misogyny isn’t a vague, catch-all term for anything that offends; it’s the systemic degradation, exploitation, and abuse of women. When the media and politicians dilute its meaning for convenience, they betray the very people who have truly suffered under it.

Weaponizing misogyny for political narratives doesn’t protect women — it erases the gravity of their experiences. Instead of lazily branding criticism as “misogyny,” the media should focus on real issues facing women — not contrived controversies designed to silence dissent and control public discourse.

Trump’s True Reputation with Women

Donald Trump has built an administration filled with powerhouse women, many of whom hold some of the most critical positions in government. Recently, Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as U.S. Director of National Intelligence — a historic appointment that underscores the strength and capability of the women he has elevated to leadership.

Other key figures include Pam Bondi, Attorney General; Suzie Wiles, Chief of Staff; Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security; Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture; Elise Stefanik, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education; Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Labor; and Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary — and that’s just a few of the accomplished women at the front of his administration.

These leaders come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise. Yet, despite this undeniable reality, the media continues to push the tired and baseless “misogyny” narrative. Trump’s support for women isn’t just seen in his administration — it’s deeply personal. His daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, played a pivotal role in his campaign as RNC Co-Chair, spearheading fundraising efforts and shaping party strategy to secure his election victory.

His daughters, Ivanka and Tiffany Trump, have also shared a strong and visible bond with their father. Ivanka, in particular, has been a close advisor, a business leader, and a public champion for key policy initiatives. Tiffany, while less politically involved, has always received his unwavering support, whether during her law school journey or public endeavors.

While the media fixates on its manufactured scandals, the truth remains: Trump has empowered and uplifted women time and time again. And in just weeks back in office, he’s already done more for women than Biden did in years — signing an executive order protecting female athletes by banning men from unfairly competing in women’s sports.

The facts speak for themselves. The media’s “misogyny” smear is nothing more than a distraction from Trump’s real, tangible track record of championing women. His actions speak louder than the media’s manufactured lies.

Ironically, the loudest voices crying “misogyny” are the same ones who can’t even define what a woman is. This is the same media and movement that allowed biological men to invade women’s private spaces — bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports arenas. The same party that forced female athletes to compete against biological males, stripping them of scholarships, records, and fair competition. If systematically undermining women and devaluing the very essence of femininity at every turn isn’t the epitome of misogyny, then what is?

Call To Action

By weaponizing the word “misogyny” for political gain, the media not only dilutes its meaning but also fails the very women it claims to defend. When everything is labeled “misogyny,” nothing is, and real instances of prejudice are drowned out by manufactured outrage.

It’s time to push back against this narrative. Don’t just accept what the media feeds you — challenge it. Call out the lies and hypocrisy. Refuse to let propaganda replace truth. Engage in meaningful discussions, educate yourself and others, and demand accountability from those who distort reality for political convenience. The real fight for women and girls isn’t in the headlines — it’s in our actions. Stay vigilant. Stay informed. And most importantly, never let the media define the truth for you.

Gillian Thorp is the award-winning author of The Colour of the Sun.