In the wake of Donald Trump’s victory, a viral social media trend has emerged among women, fueled by fears over the future of abortion rights and growing concerns about misogyny. Many women have used this movement, which mockingly references poisoning, as a response to rising anti-abortion rhetoric and threats directed at them by men. The trend, known as “MATGA” (Make Aqua Tofana Great Again), has sparked both support and controversy online.
The MATGA movement is a parody of Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, with the added twist of referring to Aqua Tofana—an infamous poison used in the 17th century. Aqua Tofana was created by Giulia Tofana, an Italian woman who sold the poison to women suffering from domestic violence, allowing them to secretly kill their abusive husbands. The poison, which contained deadly ingredients like arsenic and belladonna, was tasteless and could be hidden in cosmetics. It is believed to have led to the deaths of over 600 men before Tofana was caught.
HOLY SH*T, Karens lost their fvcking minds over Trump’s win and launched MATGA—short for Make Aqua Tofana Great Again.
Aqua Tofana was a powerful poison in 17th-century Sicily, sold by women to other women seeking to escape abusive relationships by discreetly poisoning their… pic.twitter.com/KvHK8ZXWz4
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) November 10, 2024
The modern-day MATGA movement uses this historical reference to make a satirical statement about the increasing hostility towards women’s rights. In the viral videos, women mockingly demonstrate adding ingredients to drinks or advertise “poison rings” as a way to symbolize their frustration and fears. These videos have quickly gained traction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
The MATGA trend appears to be a direct response to the increasing number of misogynistic messages circulating online. One such phrase, “Your body, my choice,” has been used by men to mock women’s rights to bodily autonomy, especially in the context of abortion. The viral videos reflect women’s growing anger, with some showing light-hearted but provocative actions of “poisoning” beverages or advertising symbolic poison rings.
However, not all reactions to the trend have been positive. Some users on TikTok have warned participants about the potential consequences of posting such videos. They caution that while the videos are meant to be satirical, they could be used against individuals in the future, especially in light of advances in poison detection and the legal implications of promoting harm.
The MATGA movement highlights how social media has become a powerful platform for women to express their discontent with ongoing societal issues. As the videos continue to circulate, they reflect the intersection of digital activism and the lived realities of women navigating the complexities of reproductive rights, misogyny, and violence.
While the trend may be satirical in nature, it underscores a deeper societal issue—the ongoing struggle for women’s autonomy and the fear that, with shifts in political leadership, rights may be rolled back. The viral nature of the MATGA movement ensures that this conversation will continue to evolve and spark debate both online and offline.
Though controversial, the MATGA movement has shone a spotlight on the frustrations many women are feeling in today’s socio-political climate. By invoking historical references in a modern context, the movement uses humor and satire to convey a serious message about the state of women’s rights and the disturbing rise of misogyny in certain circles. Whether the trend will spark meaningful change remains to be seen, but it has undeniably fueled conversations about power, agency, and justice for women in the 21st century.
