A recent resurfacing of a controversial video featuring John McEntee, former Director of the Trump White House Presidential Personnel Office, has ignited widespread outrage. In the video, originally shared in 2023, McEntee suggests that the United States should implement “male only” voting. The clip, which gained over a million views within 24 hours of its re-release, has prompted significant backlash from various political commentators and organizations.
McEntee, who co-founded the conservative dating app Date Right Stuff with backing from billionaire Peter Thiel, made this provocative statement while dining in a restaurant. The video features him stating, “So I guess they misunderstood. When we said we wanted mail-only voting, we meant male — M A L E.” His comments were accompanied by a smile, and the clip was initially posted on his TikTok account dedicated to the dating app.
The clip’s resurfacing coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), a landmark law signed by Republican President Gerald Ford. Before this legislation, women were often required to have a male cosigner for credit applications, reflecting a time when systemic barriers impeded women’s financial independence. Critics have pointed out that McEntee’s comments suggest a desire to roll back such advancements in women’s rights.
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In addition to his controversial views on voting, McEntee has also faced criticism for other statements. In a TikTok video, he claimed to distribute counterfeit cash to homeless individuals, sparking further outrage. Political commentator Molly Jong Fast warned that if Trump were to win the presidency again, McEntee could secure a significant position in the administration. Svante Myrick, CEO and President of People for the American Way, emphasized the alarming implications of McEntee’s influence over hiring within a potential future Trump administration.
The backlash against McEntee’s remarks has been swift, with many critics interpreting his comments as part of a broader agenda by some factions within the Republican Party to undermine women’s rights. USA Today columnist Michael J. Stern remarked that McEntee’s views are emblematic of the “MAGA” movement’s anti-feminist sentiments, underscoring the importance of voter awareness and mobilization.
