Dear John,

Well, that was short-lived! This week, former Rep. Matt Gaetz abruptly withdrew as Trump’s pick for attorney general, in the wake of increased Republican scrutiny, as well as new revelations in a federal sex trafficking investigation—including allegations that Gaetz had sex with underage women on multiple occasions. With fellow Trump cabinet nominee and Fox News host Pete Hegseth also facing accusations of sexual assault, and fellow nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and close advisor Elon Musk facing similar allegations, the president-elect’s incoming administration is shaping up to be a who’s-who of notable assailants. Given the track record of the person who chose them, color me unsurprised.
 
But despite this dire outlook, as we reported in Ms. this week, the 2024 election was not without its feminist wins. In Alaska and Missouri, voters raised the minimum wage to $15 over the next several years. And in those same states, as well as Nebraska, voters approved laws that secure the right to paid sick time, by decisive margins. “If Congress wants to address widespread concerns about economic hardship and rising costs of living, they can listen to voters and tangibly improve the well-being of working families everywhere by passing the federal Healthy Families Act,” wrote Inimai Chettiar. “Workers and families can’t afford to keep waiting for paid sick time.”

But where we see progress, unfortunately, the backlash is swift—as was evidenced on Capitol Hill this week, where House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a statement purporting to ban trans people from using the restrooms that align with their gender throughout the Capitol and House office buildings. The move came after several days of attacks from Rep. Nancy Mace—who introduced a resolution seeking a similar rule on Monday—on incoming Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly trans congressmember who was elected earlier this month. In response, McBride said in a statement: "I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I'm here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families." The rule, advocates noted, would also apply to visitors, as well as staffers who are trans—some of whom are not out at work. 

Like I said: the backlash is swift. In her statement, McBride called out Johnson and Mace’s actions for what they really are: a distraction “from the real issues facing this country.” But feminists and equal rights advocates are not easily distracted—because we know that when equality is at stake, we can’t afford to look away. 

Onward,

Kathy Spillar
Executive Editor

P.S. — The holidays are fast-approaching! Avoid the last minute gift-giving scramble, and give the gift of Ms.—or get something for yourself. Explore subscription options—and our new selection of T-shirts—in the Ms. store!

Tune in for a new episode of Ms. magazine's podcast, On the Issues with Michele Goodwin on

Apple Podcasts + Spotify.

In this episode, we continue to assess and reckon with the 2024 election results.  How did abortion rights prevail, while anti-abortion lawmakers were elected in the very same states? What will a Trump administration mean for women’s rights, federal courts, agencies and throughout government?  Are there any safeguards left as a check or restraint on abuse of office?  And, what silver linings can we find among the election results?

We hope you'll listen, subscribe, rate and review today!

U.S. democracy is at a dangerous inflection point—from the demise of abortion rights, to a lack of pay equity and parental leave, to skyrocketing maternal mortality, and attacks on trans health. Left unchecked, these crises will lead to wider gaps in political participation and representation. For 50 years, Ms. has been forging feminist journalism—reporting, rebelling and truth-telling from the front-lines, championing the Equal Rights Amendment, and centering the stories of those most impacted. With all that’s at stake for equality, we are redoubling our commitment for the next 50 years. In turn, we need your help, Support Ms. today with a donation—any amount that is meaningful to you. We are grateful for your loyalty and ferocity.

READ THE REST | GET THE MAGAZINE | SUPPORT MS.

Enjoy this newsletter? Forward to a friend!
Was this email forwarded to you by a friend? Subscribe.

Ms. Magazine
1600 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 801
Arlington, VA 22209
United States

Manage your email subscriptions here

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please 

unsubscribe.