Donald Trump has again put transgender issues at the centre of his political messaging, telling Republican voters to act as though he is personally on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections.
Speaking to former Republican congressman and Fox News host Trey Gowdy, Trump argued that Republicans perform better when his own name is on the ballot and warned supporters about what he said could happen if Democrats make gains in Congress.
Among the issues he listed were immigration, transgender rights and trans participation in women’s sport.
“The men in women’s sports will never end. None of this stuff — transgender will never end,” Trump said.
Trump Did Not Explain The Remark
Gowdy did not ask Trump to clarify what he meant by saying “transgender will never end”.
That makes the wording open to interpretation.
Trump appeared to be referring to political battles over transgender rights and policies rather than explicitly saying transgender people themselves should cease to exist.
However, the choice of language has attracted attention because his administration has already pursued an extensive agenda restricting trans rights.
Trans Rights Remain Central To Trump’s Agenda
Since returning to the White House, Trump has directed federal agencies to recognise only two sexes, moved to restrict transgender military service and targeted policies allowing trans students to participate in school sport.
His administration has also moved to restrict federal funding for some gender-affirming healthcare and has increased pressure on schools, healthcare providers and other institutions over policies supporting transgender people.
Trans issues have repeatedly featured in Trump’s speeches and campaign messaging, often alongside broader culture-war themes aimed at motivating Republican voters.
‘Pretend I’m On The Ballot’
Trump also urged his supporters to turn out for Republican candidates even though he himself is not running.
He said some voters were more loyal to him personally than to the Republican Party and suggested they should approach the midterms as though they were voting for him.
The comments reflect concern within Republican politics about whether Trump’s supporters will turn out in the same numbers when he is not directly on the ballot.
Control of both the US House and Senate will be at stake in November.
Trans People Are Not A Political Trend
Whatever Trump intended by the phrase, transgender people are not a new political phenomenon.
Trans and gender-diverse people have existed across societies and cultures throughout history, and political restrictions do not erase transgender identities.
The immediate significance of Trump’s remarks is therefore political: he is once again presenting opposition to transgender rights as part of the Republican case for retaining control of Congress.
With the midterms approaching, trans Americans are likely to remain a highly visible target in that campaign.
