President Trump Comments on Saudi Views on Transgender Athletes
During the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump made a remark that sparked laughter among attendees, stating that Saudi Arabians think it’s “crazy” for Americans to support transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. This comment came as he reflected on the heated debate surrounding biological males participating in female sports.
At the event held at the Kennedy Center, Trump expressed his surprise at seeing U.S. lawmakers advocating for this issue, highlighting a particular instance where a biological male surpassed a female weightlifting record. “The man weighed 119 pounds more than the female champion, who was truly incredible,” he noted, adding that prior to transitioning, this individual was just an average lifter. It seems many in the room were baffled, with Trump reiterating, “A lot of Saudis are thinking, ‘What the hell is he talking about transitioning?'”
He continued, explaining, “In Saudi Arabia, they are asking, ‘What do you mean, women competing against men? No, that’s not true, right?'” Trump’s remarks further emphasized that many Saudis view such situations as absurd.
A recent move by 130 Democratic members of Congress included filing a brief with the Supreme Court, urging the justices to favor transgender athletes like Becky Pepper Jackson from West Virginia, who challenged a state law preventing biological males from entering women’s sports, and Lindsey Hecox, who contested Idaho’s regulations regarding participation in women’s cross-country races.
Prominent lawmakers who supported this brief included representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi. Interestingly, a January poll revealed that a majority of Americans, even among Democrats, oppose allowing transgender athletes to compete against women.
According to this poll, 79% of respondents believe biological men identifying as women should not compete with women. This includes 67% of male Democrats or those leaning Democratic. Trump’s comments seem to reflect a broader societal debate that’s ongoing—one where opinions can vary significantly.
