President Donald Trump called Barack Obama’s suggestion that women lead every government for two years “ridiculous” in a press exchange Saturday, adding, “I love women.” Obama had said the world would be better under female leadership.
Political scientist Caroline Heldman told HuffPost that research finds women leaders tend to give more attention to healthcare, education and childcare and emphasize collaboration and diplomacy. She said these differences reflect socialization and expectations placed on women, not innate or biological traits.
Rutgers political scientist Shauna Shames offered two interpretations: Trump may welcome women in some roles but not in political power, or his privilege may have left him unaware of women’s historical exclusion from politics.
