Trump wants Democrats to keep fighting for trans athletes in girls’ sports: ‘Don’t think they can win a race’

Trump Mocks Democrats Over Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports, Sees It as a Winning Issue

During a meeting with NATO leader Mark Rutte on Thursday, President Donald Trump took aim at Democrats for their ongoing support of transgender athletes participating in women’s and girls’ sports. Trump not only criticized the party’s stance but also expressed hope that Democrats would continue to push the issue, as he believes it could harm their chances in future elections. He argued that the vast majority of Americans oppose trans inclusion in women’s sports, claiming it’s a “95% issue.” Trump suggested that Republicans should capitalize on this sentiment, advising them to bring up the topic closer to election time to maximize its political impact. “I tell Republicans, ‘Don’t bring that subject up right now, because there’s no election right now. But about a week before the election, bring it up, because we can’t lose,” Trump said. His comments reflect a calculated political strategy to frame the issue as a vulnerability for Democrats.

Data Shows Majority Opposition to Trans Inclusion in Sports

While Trump’s claim that 95% of Americans oppose trans athletes in women’s sports is not supported by concrete data, there is evidence that a significant majority of the population, including many Democrats, hold reservations about the issue. A New York Times/Ipsos survey revealed that 79% of respondents believe biological males who identify as transgender should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports. Notably, 67% of Democratic participants shared this view. Similarly, a Gallup poll found that nearly 70% of Americans oppose biological males competing in women’s sports. These findings suggest that the issue resonates with a broad segment of the electorate, including some who identify as Democrats. However, it’s important to note that opinions on transgender inclusion can vary widely depending on age, region, and ideological leanings.

Trump’s Repeated Criticism and the 2024 Election

Trump’s comments on Thursday were not an isolated incident. During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin the day before, he also mocked Democrats for their support of trans inclusion in sports. “Who would allow men to play in women’s sports? And they’re still fighting it,” Trump said. He emphasized that the issue is a key part of his strategy to appeal to voters, particularly women, and to position Republicans as defenders of fairness in sports. Trump’s campaign in the 2024 election heavily leaned on this issue, with his campaign ad featuring the slogan “Kamala is for they/them, Donald Trump is for you” being widely praised as effective. The ad highlighted his opposition to trans athletes in women’s sports, a stance that resonated with many voters.

Executive Orders and State Defiance

Following his election victory, Trump signed an executive order on February 5 titled “Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports,” which aimed to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. However, several Democrat-controlled states have defied the order, continuing to allow trans athletes to participate. In response, Trump’s administration has launched investigations into four states—California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Maine—for potential violations of Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. The Department of Health and Human Services has already determined that Maine violated Title IX, and the Department of Agriculture has cut millions in funding to eight Maine universities. These actions reflect the administration’s commitment to enforcing the ban, even in the face of significant opposition.

Legislative Battles and Political Fallout

The debate over trans athletes in women’s sports has also played out in Congress. Republicans introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which aimed to establish a stricter national ban on trans participation in women’s sports. However, the bill was filibustered in the Senate after failing to gain support from any Democrats. The legislative defeat has not deterred conservatives, who view the issue as a key rallying point for their base. Conservative activist Riley Gaines, a vocal opponent of trans inclusion in sports, has vowed to help Republicans unseat Democrats who opposed the bill in future elections. Gaines and other activists argue that the issue is not only about fairness in sports but also about protecting women’s rights and challenging what they see as the overreach of progressive ideologies.

Cultural Significance and the Broader Debate

The controversy over trans athletes in women’s sports has become a flashpoint in America’s cultural and political wars. For many conservatives, the issue symbolizes a broader frustration with the advancements of LGBTQ+ rights and the perceived erosion of traditional values. For progressives, it represents a fight for equality and the rights of transgender individuals to participate fully in society. The debate has also highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party, with some voters expressing discomfort with the party’s stance on the issue. Trump’s strategy to weaponize the issue reflects his ability to tap into cultural anxieties and frame himself as a champion of common-sense values. As the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election approach, the debate over trans athletes in women’s sports is likely to remain a contentious and politically charged issue.