Recent polling data indicates that a significant portion of the American public is increasingly disapproving of former President Donald Trump's continued focus on dismantling transgender rights and protections. This sentiment is part of a broader trend of dissatisfaction with his policies during the first 100 days of his second term in office.
A comprehensive survey conducted by a reputable independent news organization sheds light on the public's perception of the current administration's persistent attacks on transgender rights. The survey results reveal that nearly half of Americans disapprove of the president's emphasis on trans issues, a number that has grown from previous polls.
Public Opinion Shifts
The extensive poll, which gathered responses from over 5,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, was conducted online over a ten-day period in April. The findings highlight a notable shift in public opinion, with the percentage of participants who believe politicians should not concentrate on transgender issues increasing from 43 percent prior to the November election to 49 percent in April.
Among Republicans, a majority (57 percent) voiced their agreement with this sentiment, up from 53 percent the previous year. Interestingly, the number of Republicans who think lawmakers should actively work to restrict trans rights has decreased, indicating a shift in priorities even within traditionally conservative circles.
Concerns Within the Democratic Party
Alarmingly, the poll also indicates a growing reluctance among Democrats to prioritize trans issues. Following Trump's electoral victory in 2024, his campaign's utilization of anti-trans rhetoric and misinformation appears to have influenced some Democratic leaders. Notably, 42 percent of Democrats surveyed in April expressed the belief that politicians should not focus on trans issues—a significant increase from the previous fall.
This trend extends to Independent voters as well, who are now less inclined to support politicians that prioritize the protection of transgender rights compared to their stance before the election. Such shifts suggest that despite widespread support for trans rights within the Democratic base, political priorities may be in flux.
Healthcare Concerns
While a majority of Americans still perceive politicians as lacking the necessary understanding to enact fair policy decisions regarding gender-affirming care for minors, there is evidence of a slight increase in the number who believe lawmakers are informed enough to make these decisions. This number rose from 24 percent to 31 percent over the past year.
On a more supportive note, 59 percent of respondents expressed their approval of transgender adults accessing gender-affirming healthcare. Conversely, 55 percent opposed legislative efforts to prohibit such care for minors. Despite this, only 43 percent of participants supported the right of trans minors to receive gender-affirming care—a decrease from the previous year's results.
These findings are at odds with the positions of major American medical associations and leading global health authorities, all of which endorse gender-affirming care for trans youth as evidence-based and, in many cases, life-saving.
Executive Orders and Public Response
Since assuming office for a second term, President Trump has issued a series of executive orders that many view as aggressive and harmful to transgender individuals. On his first day back in office, he mandated that the U.S. government recognize only two biological sexes, male and female. This order effectively nullified federal agencies' ability to issue documents accurately reflecting transgender individuals' gender identities.
Additional executive orders have further marginalized the trans community by banning transgender individuals from serving in the military and cutting federal funding for gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 19. Trump's administration has also proposed withholding federal funds from K–12 schools that implement anti-racist and trans-inclusive policies and curricula.
Despite these actions, the recent poll suggests widespread public disapproval of Trump's anti-trans agenda, mirroring dissatisfaction with his overall handling of the economy and immigration. Various polls released in recent weeks have shown the president's approval ratings to be notably low, positioning him as one of the least popular U.S. presidents in modern history.
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