By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The controversial 2005 “Access Hollywood” video of current US President Donald Trump has resurfaced on TikTok, shocking some young voters ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Some TikTok creators have been sharing clips of the video, which contains audio of Trump making lewd comments about women. At the time of its initial release in 2016, several Republican officials withdrew their support for Trump, though he went on to win the election. The video has also been cited occasionally as evidence against Trump in court cases, such as in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial in 2019.
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Many young voters are watching Trump’s ‘Access Hollywood’ video for the first time, and the collective reaction from this demographic feels overwhelmingly relevant right now. As someone who has followed politics and societal discourse for years, witnessing this new awakening among first-time voters strikes a deep chord. It’s hard to believe that the events of that infamous day occurred so long ago when so many of these young voters were just children, not even remotely equipped to process the magnitude of what was being said.
The disbelief and shock that these young viewers are experiencing highlight the enormous difference in the contexts we come from. I still remember the outcry that followed the release of that video, yet here we are years later, and younger generations are grappling with the reality that this man—now a familiar political figure—was casually boasting about sexual assault. Many of these voters have had their entire childhoods overshadowed by Republican policies that seem indifferent or hostile to their concerns. The juxtaposition of watching these moments unfold through a contemporary lens is incredibly powerful. I can’t help but wonder what these videos represent to them in the grand scheme of their understanding of society, power, and gender.
Reactions across social media platforms have been unequivocal: horror and disgust that someone could act this way and still maintain a stronghold among the electorate. The phrases that come out of Trump’s mouth in that moment are not merely crass; they’re indicative of a broader culture of misogyny and entitlement. To hear this for the first time, it must feel surreal, almost like uncovering a dark chapter in a history book that someone has glossed over. The realization that a man who devalues women could gain so much traction speaks volumes about societal norms and the way they change—or often fail to change.
I can’t shake the sense of urgency that comes with this new awareness. These young voters are witnessing something far more than just a controversial tape; they’re encountering evidence of a real seismic shift in the way we talk about consent and respect. Discussions around these issues are no longer limited to intimate circles; they have become a national conversation—one that will shape governance for years to come. It’s daunting to think about the implications if these voters don’t show up. They’re not just voting for a person; they’re voting for the ideals that reflect their understanding of justice and decency.
For those who have grown up in a context where this is perceived as “normal politics,” how do they reconcile that with their notion of character and morality? It’s stunning that people who might have been too young to grasp the implications of Trump’s words are now forced to grapple with them as they prepare to select the next leaders of their country. Watching their comments online, it’s clear they’re approaching this moment with the same incredulity I felt during the initial fallout.
Personal stories shared on platforms like TikTok reveal that the gravity of Trump’s words isn’t lost on them; they resonate deeply. Many express resentment toward the complacency that has allowed such vulgarity to become part of the political landscape. I admire their urgency for change and the insistence that consent and respect are non-negotiable. The cry to “vote blue” is not just a slogan; it’s an anthem for a new generation that seeks to dismantle the dense layers of misogyny and oppression so entrenched in current politics.
As I witness this wave of young people stepping into their power and preparing to make their voices heard, I am filled with hope but also apprehension. Seeing the years roll by, I can’t help but feel the weight of what’s at stake. Those who watched Trump come down that escalator have finally reached the point where they’re equipped to challenge the status quo, but will they turn that shock into action? The memories of this