The Women’s Wave: Backlash To Trump Persists, Reshaping Politics In 2018

A woman shouts slogans during the Women’s March in New York City, January 20, 2018, as protestors took to the streets en masse across the United States.

KENA BETANCUR / AFP/Getty Images

Editor’s note: NPR is examining the role of women in the 2018 midterm elections all week. To follow upcoming coverage and look back at how the role of women in the 2014 midterms was covered, click here.


More than a year and a half ago, the day after Donald Trump was inaugurated, millions of women worldwide took to the streets in fury over his election. It was a massive show of resistance — likely the largest protest in U.S. history, as the Washington Post reported at the time.

One of the biggest questions that loomed over the demonstrations that day: could the energy last?