This week marks President Donald Trump’s 100th day since returning to office — and to say it’s been a busy few months in American politics would be an understatement. The latest Washington-ABC News-Ipsos poll shows just 39% of respondents approve of how Trump’s doing as president — the lowest 100-day approval rating in over 70 years.
To get a closer look at how women specifically are experiencing this moment, theSkimm invited the Daily Skimm audience to weigh in. Over 17,000 readers responded — and they had a lot to say. From budget cuts to pregnancy plans, their anxieties aren’t just rising; they’re shaping their reality in real time. The quotes below are edited for brevity and grammar.
Budgets Just Went into Survival Mode
Forget a theoretical recession — women are already living like it’s here. They're scaling back everything from 401(k) contributions to travel, beauty appointments, and fitness classes.
What they told us:
The majority of readers (39.6%) said the economy was the most important issue to them
73.5% have already adjusted their budgets for a potential recession
93% believe the US is in, or about to enter, a recession
83% say the Trump administration’s policies are affecting where they spend
95.6% say the tariffs should not stay in place
“I cut fitness classes, beauty services, and our annual vacation. I’ve exceeded my grocery budget every month.” — Caitlin, 31, Illinois
“In early February, I dropped my 401(k) to 1% and moved everything to bonds.” — Katie, 40, Texas
The emotional toll is just as steep as the financial one.
“I’ve cut out anything enjoyable. All my income goes to groceries, gas, and bills.” — Christie, 39, Arizona
“I feel like I have to personally donate to what the government’s pulling away from.” — Carolyn, 47, Florida
Women’s Health Is Non-Negotiable — And Bipartisan
Across political lines, women want evidence-based policy, clean food, and safe care. But many say they’ve never felt less confident in the public health system.
What they told us:
92.7% say the government should not ban fluoride in water
78.6% say the government should ban artificial food dyes
95.7% do not think the Department of Health and Human Services has adequately addressed the measles outbreak in some states
“My son is autistic — I am heartbroken and terrified what RFK Jr.'s policies will do.” — Mary, 35, Minnesota
“I'm not a fan of RFK Jr., but I am looking forward to the removal of harmful food dyes from our food.” — Lisa, 48, Illinois
Some pregnant women and those looking to start families also told us they no longer feel comfortable traveling to visit family in states with stricter abortion laws. If they already live in a red state, the anxiety is at an all-time high.
What they told us:
24% said reproductive health is the issue they care about the most
93% believe Trump will act to further restrict abortion
91.4% don't believe he’ll make IVF more accessible
“I fear for my body if I were to get pregnant and had complications along the way.” — Elizabeth, 30, California
“As a woman, the cut to women’s health research is something that could potentially impact my life.” — Beth, 34, Tennessee
“I am currently pregnant. Their decisions on women’s reproductive rights impact my daily life. The morbid conversations my husband and I have had to have in preparation for our baby have been surreal.” — Summer, 31, Florida
“I’m planning a frozen embryo transfer later this year and I’m worried my IVF clinic will either cease to exist or that if a complication arises and I can’t have an abortion that I will die.” — Beth, 35, South Dakota
Trust in Democracy? Fading Fast
Women are losing trust in the basic functions of democracy, from the courts to core federal programs.
What they told us:
94% of Daily Skimm readers do not think the country is heading in the right direction.
89% believe DOGE needs more federal oversight
83.6% say the courts are not an effective check on the presidency
36% have been directly affected by DOGE’s cuts
“I have never been so scared for and embarrassed of my country.” — Gretchen, 58, Maryland
“I feel like this will go down as a dark time in our history…I hold out hope the legal system can still be a check and balance. We need a smart, relatable leader to emerge.” — Dara, 57, Connecticut
Women also worry about being silenced — especially those in journalism, education, and science. 92.7% are concerned about restrictions on free speech
“I work in higher ed. The attacks on DEI, funding, and HHS have created immense uncertainty for myself, my colleagues, and my students.” — Molly, 36, Maryland
“Freedom of speech infringement — especially with media and journalists — terrifies me.” — Gabriela, 34, New Jersey
Congress Isn’t Passing This Test – Or Much Else
70.4% said Congress deserves a “D.” As one woman told us, “They should be the ones not getting a paycheck.” For Democratic women, they had some choice words for their representatives, saying they’d like to see Democrats do “literally anything.” Others took aim at the whole legislative branch.
“Congress should have a backbone.” — Carla, 64, Connecticut
“The judiciary and Congress greenlighting what is an absolute power grab is terrifying.” — Stephanie, 57, Colorado
They’re not just frustrated — they’re demanding action.
“Call on Congress to enact legislation to have more checks in place for the Executive branch.” — Catherine, 33, Florida
“We need to see bipartisan solutions standing up to the president’s actions. Executive orders are not the way this country should run.” — Kathryn, 71, Arizona
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