Donald Trump criticised for mocking trans athletes

US President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism after mocking a trans weightlifter during a speech at the House Republican retreat at the Kennedy Centre on 6 January. Trump’s 90‑minute address included a theatrical impersonation of a trans athlete struggling to lift weights, followed by a depiction of a male athlete easily lifting the same load. He quipped: “The girl gets up… walks off the stage crying,” before adding: “112 pounds – it’s crazy!” The remarks prompted laughter from the audience. 

Trump also shared that First Lady Melania “hates when I do this,” teasing his impersonations and dancing in what he described as “not presidential” but “they love it”. 

Human rights advocates, LGBTQ+ groups and commentators promptly condemned Trump’s caricature as demeaning and harmful. The remarks were labelled “demeaning to women” by critics, amid a backdrop of his administration’s broader efforts to restrict trans rights at federal level. 

In the past year, the Trump administration enacted measures to bar open gender identity on passports, restrict access to gender-affirming care, and ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. His performance at the Kennedy Centre was viewed as part of a calculated strategy to use transgender rights as a political wedge issue in the run-up to the 2026 midterms - a “98-2 issue,” he reportedly said, reflecting his belief in its electoral potency. 

The speech also revived claims that trans athletes have an unfair advantage in women’s sports. Trump invoked anecdotes about weightlifting and boxing competitors - referring to Olympic gold medallist Imane Khelif among others - even though experts caution that factors like testosterone withdrawal complicate such generalisations. 

Analysts suggest Trump's focus on trans issues serves as a deflection from economic and social concerns. Imara Jones, founder of TransLash Media, said he leans on transphobia to rally his base when voters feel “he’s disconnected on affordability,” making 2026 “a year of maximum danger” for trans communities.