A Trump campaign advertisement has come under fire after it featured drag queen Pattie Gonia without his consent. The ad, which highlights Vice President Kamala Harris’ support for transgender rights, showcases footage of Harris with Pattie Gonia during a Pride event in 2022, stirring controversy over the unauthorized use of the drag artist’s image.
Pattie Gonia, whose real name is Wyn Wiley, expressed his outrage on social media, appearing dressed as the Statue of Liberty and calling out the campaign for the unapproved use of his likeness. “No, the Trump campaign did not have my permission to use my name or likeness,” Wiley stated, adding that he is considering legal options. He emphasized that turning “pain into something positive” is a recurring theme in the LGBTQ community, redirecting attention to a fundraiser for LGBTQ advocacy groups Point of Pride and Trans Lifeline.
The ad’s legal implications remain unclear, as experts in trademark and political advertising law suggest that it may be difficult to pursue legal action against the campaign. Mark McKenna, a UCLA School of Law professor, noted that political ads enjoy significant leeway compared to commercial advertising. “Political speech is often protected, and it’s challenging to claim damages unless it crosses into defamation territory,” McKenna explained, though he did not believe the ad was defamatory.
Vice President Harris’ evolving stance on gender-affirming care for incarcerated trans people adds another layer to the controversy. Her current position remains ambiguous, despite previous support for gender-affirming procedures for federal inmates. Harris had faced criticism as California’s attorney general for attempting to block a trans woman’s surgery in 2015, only to later endorse policies ensuring access to gender-affirming care.
Amid the legal uncertainty, Pattie Gonia’s call to “make America gay again” echoed the resilience of the LGBTQ community, as he urged his followers to vote in response to the ad.