President Donald Trump generated significant online response after he performed an impression of a transgender athlete during remarks at the House GOP’s annual retreat on March 12, 2024. The impression, shared by the White House’s “Rapid Response 47” account on social media platform X, included a light-hearted take on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. The post featured a caption stating, “@POTUS on his imitation of ‘trans athletes’ in women’s sports: ‘My wife HATES when I do this,’” accompanied by laughing emojis.
During his address, Trump recounted how Melania Trump, the First Lady, disapproves of his impressions, particularly his portrayal of weightlifting. He referred to former president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, noting, “She actually said, ‘Could you imagine FDR dancing?’” Trump then proceeded with the impression, mimicking a woman lifting weights before dramatically dropping them and feigning distress. He concluded his performance with a comedic imitation of another athlete easily lifting weights, emphasizing the contrast in physical prowess.
Online reactions were polarized, with some users criticizing Trump’s rhetoric. One commentator remarked, “He’s mimicking women weightlifting & talking about transitioning women boxing. Hasn’t he something more important to do or talk about?” Another user expressed embarrassment over the situation, questioning the current state of political discourse. Conversely, supporters such as former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, a prominent advocate against transgender athletes in women’s sports, praised Trump’s remarks. Gaines shared the clip on X, stating, “Trump’s imitation of a trans weightlifter. No, I don’t regret my vote. This is perfect.”
Trump’s comments also included a claim that “two transitioned people” had won gold medals in boxing, likely referring to Olympic gold medalists Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, both of whom were identified as female at birth and competed as women. This incident marks a continuation of Trump’s previous comments on transgender athletes, as he similarly mocked weightlifters during a speech at the University of Alabama in May 2023.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for its policies regarding transgender rights. Over the past year, efforts have been made to roll back protections for transgender and intersex individuals. Notably, the administration has implemented a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, a policy upheld by the Supreme Court. Additionally, there have been attempts to prevent citizens from selecting a gender marker on passports that aligns with their gender identity.
According to GLAAD, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, there has been a discernible rise in attacks against transgender Americans. The organization reported tracking 932 anti-LGBTQ incidents in the U.S. between May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025, with 52 percent of these incidents specifically targeting transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. This represents a 14 percent increase in attacks against transgender people compared to the previous year.
The online reaction to Trump’s recent comments underscores the contentious nature of the discussion surrounding transgender rights and representation in sports, reflecting broader societal debates.
