trump card

By Sharnellia Bennett-Smith

For Donald Trump, trans ideology—presents itself as a threat to children, families, and societal stability—serves as a potent symbol of what he describes as the excesses of progressive politics and will be dealt with when he gets back into office in 2025. The increased visibility of transgender individuals and advocacy for trans rights in recent years has led to intensified political and cultural debates. Issues such as access to gender-affirming healthcare, participation in sports, and use of public facilities have become lightning rods for broader discussions about identity, rights, and societal norms. These debates have been amplified by media coverage and, in many cases, politicized by conservative leaders with Trump and his campaign taking full advantage of this new dialogue that has many Americans agitated. 

Donald Trump, the 45th and soon to be 47th President of the United States and a leading figure in contemporary American politics, has demonstrated a talent for leveraging cultural flashpoints to rally his base. One of the central issues he has repeatedly addressed—particularly as he positions himself for the 2024 election—is transgender rights and broader debates surrounding gender ideology. By framing trans issues as emblematic of a cultural and moral divide, Trump has utilized this discourse to galvanize his supporters, stoke controversy, and present himself as a defender of "traditional values."  Issues such as access to gender-affirming healthcare, participation in sports, and use of public facilities have become lightning rods for broader discussions about identity, rights, and societal norms. These debates have been amplified by media coverage and, in many cases, politicized by conservative leaders.

Trump frequently frames trans issues as part of a broader critique of government overreach, arguing that policies supporting trans rights infringe on parental rights, religious freedoms, and personal liberties. This framing aligns with his larger political narrative of resisting "woke ideology" and returning power to individuals and families.

Another focal point of Trump’s successful election campaign is the participation of trans identified males  in women’s sports. By portraying this issue as an existential threat to women’s rights and fairness in competition, he was able to draw support from both conservative and moderate constituencies, including some feminist voices who oppose trans identified males in the spaces of women.  Donald Trump’s use of trans ideology as a campaign strategy underscores his ability to capitalize on cultural divisions to advance his political goals. While this approach may energize his base and position him as a defender of conservative values.

The topic of transgender rights has become a significant cultural and political issue in the United States, particularly during the 2024 election cycle. Political candidates, advocacy groups, and media outlets have brought issues like access to gender-affirming healthcare, participation in sports, and rights related to education and public accommodations into the national spotlight. With Trump heading back into office, many Americans have voiced relief to a firm start to the end of "wokeness", and a more balanced outlook on how children should be treated regarding their mental health issues. This may be the beginning that many radical feminists, who opposed Kamala Harris, was looking for. Only time will tell if Trump holds true to his anticipated proposals surrounding gender ideology and its effects on American laws and policies.