Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday condemned former President Donald Trump’s pledge to be a “protector” of women “whether they like or not.”

Speaking to reporters in Wisconsin, Ms. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, said the remark explains why her Republican counterpart has struggled with women voters.

“It actually is, I think, very offensive to women in terms of not understanding their agency, their authority, their right, and their ability to make decisions about their own lives, including their own bodies,” she said.

“And this is just the latest on a series of reveals by the former president of how he thinks about women and their agency,” Ms. Harris said, adding that “one in three women” live in a state with an abortion ban.

When asked if the comment would appeal to “hypermasculine” Trump supporters, Ms. Harris responded, “I think it’s offensive to everybody, by the way.”

While campaigning in Wisconsin on Wednesday, Mr. Trump declared that he would be the “protector” of women if he wins a second term.

“I said, ’Well, I’m going to do it, whether the women like it or not,” Mr. Trump said. “I’m going to protect them.”

Recent polls show that Ms. Harris is struggling with men, who are overwhelmingly backing Mr. Trump.

A CBS News/YouGov poll released this week revealed that 55% of women are voting for Ms. Harris, compared to 43% for Mr. Trump. But among male voters, Mr. Trump leads 54% to 45%.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.