Former President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy with his latest claim, suggesting that U.S. schools are now “mostly transgender.” In a recent conversation with his former advisor, Kellyanne Conway, on her Fox News show Here’s The Deal, Trump criticized the American education system, stating that traditional subjects like reading and mathematics are being overshadowed by transgender-focused curricula.
While Trump’s assertions have been widely discredited by experts, his remarks reflect a growing narrative within right-wing political circles. Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, echoed similar sentiments, linking declining math proficiency in schools to discussions about gender identities. “American children can’t add five plus five, but they can tell you there are 87 different genders,” Vance claimed, without providing evidence.
This rhetoric, frequently used by Trump and his allies, is not new. Just last month, Trump made baseless allegations that students are undergoing gender-affirming surgeries during school hours, a claim that was quickly debunked by medical professionals and education experts. Despite being factually incorrect, such statements continue to fuel anti-LGBTQ sentiment among certain segments of the population, deepening divisions and sparking fears about the role of LGBTQ+ issues in education.
Trump’s anti-trans rhetoric is a strategic attempt to galvanize his conservative base ahead of the 2024 presidential election. By framing the debate around schools and children, he aims to appeal to parents who may be concerned about cultural shifts in education. However, his claims also contribute to the marginalization of transgender students, who already face significant challenges in educational environments. The ongoing vilification of gender diversity in schools not only undermines efforts to create inclusive spaces but also threatens the wellbeing of transgender youth across the country.