Martha Stewart, widely regarded as the original influencer, has spoken out against the growing “trad wife” trend that has gained traction on social media in recent years.

In a recent interview, the lifestyle mogul expressed her strong disapproval of the movement, which promotes traditional gender roles

and glorifies the idea of women solely embracing domestic duties as wives and mothers. Stewart, who rose to fame through her business empire built on homemaking,

cooking, and home décor, explained that she finds the resurgence of this outdated notion of womanhood both frustrating and limiting.

For Stewart, who has long been an advocate for women’s empowerment and independence, the “trad wife” trend represents a step backward in terms of gender equality.

The “trad wife” movement, which has gained popularity among certain social media circles, celebrates the idea of women embracing traditional roles—cooking, cleaning,

and caring for the home—while deferring to their husbands as the primary breadwinners and decision-makers. Supporters of the trend often share their views online, promoting the idea that femininity is best expressed through submission to these roles. For Stewart, however, this trend feels like a rejection of the progress women have made in recent decades

. “I think women can do whatever they want, and they should be able to choose how they live, but I don’t think they should be confined to any one narrow definition of what it means to be a woman,” she said in her interview. “This whole ‘trad wife’ thing is just not for me. It feels like we’re going backward in time.”

Stewart, who is best known for her role as a pioneer of modern homemaking, has always been an advocate for women who juggle professional careers with managing their households.

As the founder of a multi-billion-dollar empire that includes television shows, books, and home products, Stewart has become a symbol of self-made success for countless women around the world.

Her ability to balance entrepreneurship with personal style and home management has helped redefine what it means to be a woman in business.

Given her own path to success, Stewart sees the “trad wife” movement as a restrictive and antiquated view of womanhood that undermines the potential of women to thrive in all aspects of life—whether in the home, the workplace, or beyond.

In her response to the movement, Stewart also pointed out that the rise of the “trad wife” narrative on social media often oversimplifies the complexity of modern relationships and gender roles.

She emphasized that women should have the freedom to choose how they contribute to both their households and society, whether that involves homemaking, pursuing a career, or a combination of both.

“We live in an age where women have options, where we can choose the paths we want to take,” she said.

“The idea that a woman’s worth is solely tied to how well she keeps a house or defers to a man is both outdated and limiting. We should be encouraging women to explore all of their talents and aspirations.”

While Stewart’s views might seem contrary to the ideals of the “trad wife” movement, she clarified that her objection is not about denigrating those who choose to embrace traditional roles if that’s what works for them.

Instead, her concern is that this trend, when idealized in the way it often is online, could push women into believing that their value is defined by domesticity alone. “If a woman chooses to stay at home and take care of her family, that’s wonderful,” she acknowledged.

“But that choice shouldn’t be the only narrative we promote. Women should be free to explore their passions, dreams, and careers—whatever that looks like for them.”

Stewart’s comments come at a time when the conversation around gender roles and the expectations placed on women is more relevant than ever.

As women continue to make strides in various fields, including business, politics, and entertainment, the rise of movements like the “trad wife” trend raises important questions about how far society has come—and how far it still has to go in terms of ensuring that women have the freedom to choose their own destinies.

For Stewart, advocating for women’s independence and rejecting restrictive roles is a central part of her message.

She firmly believes that the future for women should not be defined by traditional expectations, but rather by the limitless possibilities they can create for themselves.