Women for Trump: History and Political Influence

Women for Trump: History and Political Influence

Women for Trump is a political organization established to mobilize female support for Donald Trump. Founded during the 2016 presidential campaign, the group emerged from the grassroots energy of the Tea Party movement, seeking to create a dedicated space for women to engage with Trump's political platform and fundraising efforts.

Key Facts

  • Co-founded in June 2016 by Amy Kremer and Kathryn Serkes.
  • Amy Kremer brought experience from the Tea Party movement and the Tea Party Express.
  • In 2016, Trump won a plurality of white women's votes (47% vs. Clinton's 45%).
  • Women contributed approximately $15 million in donations during the first quarter of 2019.
  • Kylie Jane Kremer founded the "Stop the Steal" Facebook group in November 2020.

Founding and the 2016 Election

The organization was co-founded in June 2016 by Amy Kremer and Kathryn Serkes. Kremer, a prominent figure in the modern-day Tea Party movement (a conservative grassroots political movement), also co-founded the social networking site Tea Party Patriots and served as the chairman of the Tea Party Express. Additionally, she helped establish the Great America PAC to support Trump's 2016 bid.

During the 2016 election, national data showed a significant gender divide; Hillary Clinton received 54% of the female vote compared to Trump's 39%. However, Trump performed better among white women, securing 47% of their vote over Clinton's 45%. This trend was particularly strong among white women without college degrees, 61% of whom voted for Trump. Financial support was also notable, with women accounting for 28% of the 350,000 donations made to Trump's campaign, according to Politico.

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Financial Activity and Growth (2017–2019)

In 2017, Women for Trump channeled funds to the campaign via the Women Vote Smart political action committee (PAC). While the Federal Election Commission (FEC) reported that Women Vote Smart raised over $26,000 that year, the entity was more than $20,000 in debt by March 2017.

By 2019, the organization ramped up efforts for the 2020 election, holding a kickoff party at the Westgate resort in Orlando, Florida, on June 17. Despite a June Hill–Harris survey suggesting 62% of registered female voters were unlikely to support a Trump re-election, the coalition continued to seek volunteers and donations.

Financial contributions from women remained significant. In the first quarter of 2019, FEC data indicated that donations were split evenly between men and women, with female contributions totaling roughly $15 million. By December, women accounted for 36.3% of Trump's total donations.

Women for America First

During the 2019 impeachment inquiry, Amy Kremer and her daughter, Kylie, established Women for America First. As a nonprofit, this entity could raise unlimited funds to support the president without the requirement to disclose its donors. This group organized the "March for Trump: Stop Impeachment Now!" rally in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2019.

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Controversies and Later Activities (2020–2021)

Following the 2020 Election Day, Kylie Jane Kremer, serving as the executive director of Women for Trump, created the "Stop the Steal" Facebook group on November 4. The group served as a forum for claims that ballot counting was being manipulated. It grew rapidly, gaining over 320,000 users in a single day before Facebook shut it down due to attempts to incite violence.

In early 2021, Kylie Jane Kremer was identified on a permit as the person in charge of the rally in Washington, D.C., on January 6, which preceded the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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Summary of Organizational Milestones

Women for Trump Timeline and Key Data
Year Key Event/Entity Significant Detail
2016 Foundation Co-founded by Amy Kremer and Kathryn Serkes.
2017 Women Vote Smart Raised over $26,000; faced $20,000+ debt.
2019 Women for America First Nonprofit created for unlimited, undisclosed fundraising.
2020 Stop the Steal Facebook group created by Kylie Jane Kremer; shut down by platform.
2021 January 6 Rally Kylie Jane Kremer named as the person in charge on the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Women for Trump?

The organization was co-founded in June 2016 by Amy Kremer, a figure in the Tea Party movement, and Kathryn Serkes.

How did white women vote in the 2016 election?

Donald Trump won a plurality of white women's votes with 47%, compared to Hillary Clinton's 45%. Support was highest among white women without college degrees, at 61%.

What was the purpose of Women for America First?

Founded by Amy and Kylie Kremer, this nonprofit was designed to raise unlimited funds to support the president without disclosing the identities of the donors.

What happened to the "Stop the Steal" Facebook group?

Created by Kylie Jane Kremer in November 2020, the group gained over 320,000 users in one day but was shut down by Facebook for attempting to incite violence.

What was Kylie Jane Kremer's role on January 6, 2021?

She was listed on a permit as the person in charge of the rally in Washington, D.C., that took place before the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

References

  1. "Kathryn Serkes | C-SPAN.org". C-SPAN.
  2. "OUR STORY". WOMEN FOR TRUMP. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  3. "Welcome to the home of the Tea Party Express". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  4. Zuvich, Cady (April 12, 2016). "Pro-Trump super PAC wants your money". Center for Public Integrity. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  5. An examination of the 2016 electorate, based on validated voters (Report). Pew Research Center. August 9, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2024.