Donald Trump has made fresh inflammatory remarks during a call-in interview with Fox News, commenting on claims that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is gay.
Mojtaba Khamenei was installed as Supreme Leader of Iran after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed by US and Israeli forces at the end of February, a development that triggered the current conflict in the Middle East.
During the interview, Trump was asked whether the CIA had told him that Khamenei, referred to by hosts as “Ayatollah Jr.”, is gay. He replied: “They did say that… I think a lot of people are saying that – which puts him off to a bad start in that particular country.”
The comments drew attention because of Iran’s record on LGBTQ+ rights. The Iranian regime has long been accused of persecuting LGBTQ+ people, with same-sex sexual activity criminalised and punishable by severe penalties, including execution. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ people in Iran, and many are forced to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity for fear of arrest, imprisonment, abuse or death.
Reports have also alleged that some queer young people in Iran are subjected to conversion therapy.
Trump also turned to Palestine during the discussion, targeting the “Gays for Palestine” movement. “They kill gays. They kill them instantly. They throw them off buildings,” he said.
Trump went on to claim he had performed strongly with LGBTQ+ voters and referenced his use of the Village People’s ‘YMCA’ at campaign rallies, describing it as the “gay national anthem”.
“No Republican’s ever gotten the gay vote like I did and I’m very proud of it,” he said.
That assertion, however, is challenged by NBC News exit polling from the 2024 election, which found that Vice President Kamala Harris led President-elect Donald Trump among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender voters by 86% to 12%.
