Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, former running mate of US Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign bid, has warned Democrats against turning away from transgender rights amid mounting political pressure.
In an interview with The Independent, Walz responded to Donald Trump’s ongoing attacks on the trans community, calling out the false link being made between trans rights and everyday American issues.
“It’s a mistake,” Walz said.
“And here’s the thing: we need to tell people your cost of eggs, your health care being denied, your homeowner’s insurance, your lack of getting warning on tornadoes coming has nothing to do with someone’s gender.”
Walz criticised the way the political conversation has been hijacked by culture war narratives, saying Democrats need to avoid being pulled into that framing.
“I think we have to figure out how to not get sucked in and allow that to be the focal point only.
We can multitask, and we can hold several things simultaneously.
We can protect LGBTQ rights and basic human rights at the same time, we can make sure that we hold drug companies accountable for high prices.”
Democrats Accused of “Selling Out” Trans Rights
Despite Walz’s comments, frustration is mounting within parts of the LGBTQ+ community over what’s perceived as a weakening of Democratic commitment to trans rights. In January, two Democratic lawmakers sided with Republicans on legislation banning trans women and girls from participating in women’s sports—a move sharply criticised by advocacy groups.
Meanwhile, Trump’s re-election campaign has embraced anti-trans messaging as a core part of its strategy. A campaign ad by Make America Great Again Inc targeted Vice President Harris for supporting nonbinary pronouns, mocking her as a “crazy liberal” who backs “they/them” identities.
In response, Harris reminded the public that Trump’s previous administration supported gender-affirming care for transgender inmates, highlighting his hypocrisy.
Trump’s Presidency Marked by Aggressive Anti-Trans Orders
Since returning to office in 2025 for a second, non-consecutive term, Trump has signed multiple executive orders aimed squarely at the trans community. These include:
- Declaring that the United States recognises only “two sexes”
- Reinstating a ban on trans people serving in the military
- Restricting access to gender-affirming care for people under 19
- Attempting to ban trans athletes from women’s sports (the ban was blocked in the US Senate)
These orders are part of a wider effort to stoke division through identity-based legislation, drawing fierce criticism from human rights groups.
Governor Walz’s message is clear: Democrats must not waver in their support for trans people, particularly in the face of escalating political attacks.
