In a recent interview with SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly, former President Donald Trump was asked a straightforward question: “Can a man become a woman?” While the question may have appeared routine, Trump’s response raised eyebrows in various quarters.
“Ummmmm,” Trump began, followed by a chuckle. “I think part of it is birth, can the man give birth? No? Although they’ll come up with some answer to that also!” He continued by mentioning a recent story about a uterus transplant in the U.K. but concluded that trans women aren’t women.
Rubin’s Critique
Conservative pundit Dave Rubin, who identifies as gay, expressed disappointment in Trump’s response. He suggested that Trump’s earlier assertive style was missing, as the former president, known for his combative rhetoric, didn’t confront Kelly or vehemently defend his position.
“It does show to some extent that he’s beginning to lose his step,” Rubin remarked. He compared Trump’s response to how the former president might have reacted during his earlier political career, stating that the Trump of 2015 or mid-2018 would have handled the question differently.
Transphobia and Trump’s Record
Trump’s response fits within a broader context of his track record on transgender rights, which has been marked by controversy. This includes policies such as banning transgender individuals from serving openly in the military, passing rules that could legalize discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, and revoking federal guidance aimed at protecting transgender students from discrimination in schools.
Trump’s answer echoed a common line among transphobes, linking womanhood to specific aspects of reproduction while ignoring the existence of trans men.
While Rubin’s criticism centers on Trump’s change in style, many are concerned about the broader implications of the former president’s comments and the impact they may have on public discourse surrounding transgender issues. Trump’s stance on this topic remains a topic of debate and discussion within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
