Trump’s Push to Limit Trans Rights Clashes with American Values

In a contentious start to his second term, President Donald Trump has intensified his focus on transgender issues, aiming to limit access to accurate passports, erase achievements of trans elders, and remove transgender individuals from military service. A recent 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll reveals a significant public opinion shift, with 49 percent of Americans now believing that politicians should refrain from focusing on transgender topics.

This marks an increase from the 43 percent recorded before the election. The percentage of people who oppose political focus on trans issues rose from 44 percent in 2023. Notably, the sentiment has shifted among Democrats and Independents; 42 percent of Democrats now think politicians should not prioritize transgender rights, a rise from 33 percent last year.

The trend is mirrored among Republicans, with 57 percent expressing the view that transgender issues should be off the political agenda, up from 53 percent in the prior year. Interestingly, the call to restrict transgender rights appears to be waning among lawmakers.

Despite Trump’s administration’s efforts to marginalize transgender individuals, a majority—59 percent—support access to gender-affirming care for adults. However, support drops to 43 percent regarding transgender youth seeking similar care. Yet, 55 percent oppose legislation that would restrict gender-affirming care for minors, including significant numbers of Republicans and Independents.

Gender-affirming care encompasses healthcare designed to affirm transgender individuals’ gender identities, varying by age. For adults, this may include therapy, hormone treatments, and surgical options. In contrast, youth may receive therapy, hormone treatments, or puberty blockers, with surgery being rarely recommended before age 18.

The poll, conducted from April 11-21, 2025, among 5,032 American adults, has a margin of error of 1.5 percentage points. Interestingly, confidence in politicians’ understanding of these issues remains low; only 31 percent of respondents believe lawmakers are adequately informed, a slight increase from 24 percent last year.

Support for gender-affirming care remains notably stronger among women, with 65 percent endorsing access for adults and 46 percent for youth, compared to 52 percent and 38 percent among men, respectively. A separate poll indicated widespread backing for access among nonbinary and transgender individuals.

The advocacy for transgender rights stands out, especially given the prominent anti-trans narrative during Trump’s campaign. This rhetoric is now translating into federal policies affecting countless lives.

In the Democratic Party, perspectives differ significantly on supporting transgender constituents. Some prominent figures have voiced criticism of their party’s support for transgender rights, while others, like Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, have firmly opposed Trump’s policies and advocated for trans rights. Notably, Democratic senators successfully blocked a bill that would have barred transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports in federally funded schools.

This 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll reflects ongoing tensions and evolving opinions surrounding transgender issues within American political discourse.