President-elect Donald Trump, widely known for his anti-transgender and misogynistic rhetoric, is sparking surprise after a 2016 video resurfaced showing him expressing apparent support for the transgender community’s right to use gender-affirming bathrooms. In the video, Trump suggests leaving the decision to individuals rather than enforcing restrictive laws, the Irish Star reported.
At the time, the transgender community was fighting against North Carolina’s controversial HB2 law, which mandated that individuals use bathrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth. During a live Today town hall, Trump was asked to weigh in on the issue. His response seemed unexpectedly empathetic: “There have been very few complaints the way it is.
People go, they use the bathroom that they feel is appropriate, there has been so little trouble.” Trump further criticized the economic fallout caused by North Carolina’s bathroom law, stating the state was paying a “high price” for its strict stance. An Associated Press analysis later revealed the backlash, including boycotts and canceled performances, cost the state more than $3.76 billion, according to CNBC.
Trump suggested that North Carolina should “leave [the bathroom issue] the way it is.” When pressed by host Matt Lauer on whether Trump employed transgender individuals, he candidly admitted, “I don’t know. I really don’t know, I probably do.” He even voiced openness to Caitlyn Jenner hypothetically using the bathroom of her choice at Trump Tower.
Despite this seemingly supportive stance in 2016, Trump’s actions in office told a different story. Shortly after his 2017 inauguration, he banned transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military, sparking widespread condemnation.
The resurfaced video has left the internet abuzz. Many TikTok users expressed shock, with one writing, “How have I never seen this?” Another questioned whether Trump’s stance had evolved since then: “Does he still feel this way now? This is from 2016. Curious if his views have changed?”
As Trump prepares for his second term in 2025, the transgender community anticipates potentially restrictive policies, according to NBC News. One such policy could include introducing a federal definition of sex as binary and assigned at birth, which may severely limit transgender individuals’ rights and access to resources.
The stark contrast between Trump’s past comments and his subsequent actions highlights the uncertainty surrounding his administration’s future approach to LGBTQ+ rights.