Newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked widespread debate with his controversial remarks on divorce laws, which he claims disproportionately favor women.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the 47th president outlined his intention to overhaul what he described as “unfair” practices in the legal system, especially regarding the division of wealth after divorce.
“Divorce has become a very lucrative business for women in the United States, and I’m going to put an end to it,” Trump declared. “If a woman marries a rich man, it doesn’t mean she gets to leave as a rich woman after divorce.”
Proposed Changes to Divorce Settlements
Trump proposed that, in cases of divorce, women should not automatically receive half of their spouse’s wealth.
Instead, he suggested that financial support should be limited to a loan of up to $1 million, provided the recipient has collateral. “$1 million isn’t a lot of money for a rich man,” he said. “But it should be a lot for the woman because she didn’t work for it.”
The president also dismissed the notion of shared financial entitlement in long-term marriages. “If I’m worth $50 million, I’m not going to give you $25 million after divorce. It’s my money, and I worked very hard for it,” Trump insisted, adding that even the presence of children should not guarantee a financial settlement for the mother.
“If you don’t have enough money to take care of our children, leave them with me,” he said.
Backlash and Support
Trump’s remarks have drawn both praise and criticism from various quarters. Advocates for men’s rights have applauded the president’s stance, arguing that current divorce laws often leave wealthy men financially drained.
On the other hand, women’s rights organizations have condemned the comments as dismissive of the contributions women make in marriages, both financially and emotionally.
“Trump’s remarks ignore the fact that many women sacrifice their careers to support their spouses and families,” said Lisa Carter, a spokesperson for Women for Justice. “To reduce their contributions to mere financial dependency is an insult to women everywhere.”
Legal and Social Implications
Trump’s proposed reforms would require significant legislative changes, as current divorce laws vary from state to state and are deeply rooted in decades of legal precedent.
Critics argue that such changes could exacerbate economic disparities and undermine the rights of homemakers and caregivers in marriages.
Nevertheless, Trump remains steadfast in his position. “Just because somebody marries someone who built something huge doesn’t mean they should walk away as the Queen of Sheba,” he said.
As the debate continues, experts predict that any attempts to reform divorce laws will face strong opposition from advocacy groups and lawmakers alike.
However, with Trump’s history of divisive policymaking, the topic is likely to remain at the forefront of public discourse for the foreseeable future.