Donald Trump Accused Of Waging War On Masturbation With ‘Harmful’ New Law

 

April 2025 — In a surprising turn of events that has sparked controversy across the nation, former President Donald Trump has been accused of launching an ideological "war on masturbation" following the introduction of a controversial new law passed in several conservative-led states with Trump’s vocal endorsement. Critics say the legislation infringes on personal freedoms and represents an unprecedented move into the private lives of American citizens.

The Controversial Law

The new law, officially named the Public Morality and Decency Act (PMDA), was introduced by a coalition of conservative lawmakers in early 2025. While the bill addresses a range of moral and social issues — including restrictions on access to adult content and new regulations on sex education — it is a particular clause targeting "self-gratifying behaviors" that has sparked national outrage.

According to the bill's language, the act seeks to discourage masturbation among minors and young adults, citing concerns over what supporters describe as the "mental, spiritual, and societal harms" associated with the habit. The law mandates public awareness campaigns warning of alleged dangers of masturbation, restricts the sale of adult materials in certain jurisdictions, and introduces new "moral wellness" curricula in schools promoting abstinence not only from premarital sex but also from solo sexual activity.

Although the law does not criminalize masturbation outright — a move that would be constitutionally problematic — critics say it creates a culture of shame and control, particularly targeting younger Americans.

Trump’s Role and Public Statements

Though Trump himself is not currently in office, his influence over the conservative movement remains significant. In several public appearances and media interviews, Trump expressed support for what he called a "return to American decency and moral values".

At a rally in Florida last month, Trump declared:

"We’re bringing back good, clean, wholesome American traditions. Too many people are getting addicted to things that ruin their lives and their country. We're going to make America strong again, mentally and morally."

While Trump did not directly mention masturbation, his endorsement of the PMDA was seen by many as a nod to the bill's more controversial clauses.

Public and Expert Reactions

The backlash has been swift and fierce. Advocacy groups, mental health professionals, and civil liberties organizations have condemned the law as regressive, intrusive, and scientifically unsound.

Dr. Melanie Ortiz, a licensed psychologist specializing in human sexuality, called the legislation "absurd and dangerous," warning that it risks stigmatizing natural human behavior and creating unnecessary shame, particularly among young people.

"Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality for people of all ages. Laws like this fuel misinformation and can lead to guilt, anxiety, and distorted relationships with sexuality," Ortiz explained.

Civil rights groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have also spoken out, labeling the PMDA an unconstitutional overreach that violates the First Amendment and the right to personal autonomy.

In a statement, ACLU spokesperson Jason Feldman said:

"This is about control, not morality. It’s a dangerous step toward government policing of personal, private behavior."

Online Satire and Public Mockery

As expected in the internet age, the controversy has fueled a wave of satire and online activism. Social media users have dubbed the initiative “Trump’s War on Wanking” and circulated memes mocking the idea of government-funded anti-masturbation campaigns.

Late-night television hosts quickly jumped on the story. Stephen Colbert quipped:

"Well, if Trump really wanted to stop people from touching themselves, maybe he should just keep talking."

Meanwhile, hashtags like #HandsOffOurRights and #MasturbationMatters have trended on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of users sharing personal stories about the importance of sex positivity and body autonomy.

A Wider Political Strategy?

Some political analysts argue that the PMDA and Trump’s alignment with it may be part of a broader strategy to galvanize conservative voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. By appealing to culture war issues, Trump-aligned Republicans can rally their base and distract from less popular policy proposals.

Dr. Samuel Green, a political science professor at Georgetown University, noted:

"It’s classic culture politics. When the economy or other serious issues become politically risky, you pivot to moral outrage. Trump knows this playbook well."

Whether this strategy will succeed remains to be seen. While deeply conservative districts have welcomed the legislation, polls indicate that the majority of Americans, particularly younger voters, oppose government intervention in matters of personal sexuality.

What Comes Next?

Legal challenges to the PMDA are already underway. Civil rights groups have filed lawsuits in multiple states, arguing that the law violates constitutional protections. Several governors, including those in more moderate and liberal states, have vowed to block any similar legislation.

The controversy has also reignited national debates about sex education, personal freedoms, and the appropriate role of government in regulating morality.

For now, though, the battle lines are drawn — and the country finds itself once again navigating the tensions between personal liberty and public morality, with Donald Trump right in the middle of the storm.