Former President Donald Trump drew significant attention online after he performed an impression of a transgender weightlifter during a speech at the House GOP’s annual retreat on March 12, 2024. His remarks, shared by the White House’s “Rapid Response 47” account on X, included a humorous imitation of a female athlete struggling with weights, leading to mixed reactions across social media.
During the event, Trump recounted how his wife, Melania Trump, disapproves of his impressions, stating, “She actually said, ‘Could you imagine FDR dancing?’” He then launched into his portrayal of a weightlifter, mimicking a woman who drops weights and leaves the stage in tears. “Her mother’s crying, her father’s crying,” Trump added, eliciting laughter from the audience. He followed this with an impression of a male competitor effortlessly lifting weights.
The online response was swift. Some criticized Trump for his remarks, questioning whether such commentary was appropriate for a former president. One user on X remarked, “He’s mimicking women weightlifting and talking about transitioning women boxing. Hasn’t he something more important to do?” Another user expressed embarrassment over the performance, stating, “What bizarre dimension have we slipped into?”
Conversely, some supporters praised Trump’s comments. Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and advocate against transgender athletes in women’s sports, shared the clip on X, stating, “Trump’s imitation of a trans weightlifter. No, I don’t regret my vote. This is perfect.”
Trump also claimed at the retreat that “two transitioned people” had won gold medals in boxing, which was likely a reference to Olympic gold medalists Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, both of whom were identified as female at birth. This impression was not the first of its kind; in May 2023, Trump made a similar joke while speaking at the University of Alabama, discussing a hypothetical transitioned athlete breaking weightlifting records.
As these comments circulate, it is important to consider the broader context of the Trump administration’s stance on transgender and intersex rights. Over the past year, the administration has sought to implement policies that restrict the rights of transgender individuals, including a ban on transgender people serving in the military and efforts to prevent citizens from selecting a gender marker on passports that aligns with their gender identity.
According to GLAAD, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, attacks on transgender Americans have risen sharply. From May 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025, the organization tracked 932 anti-LGBTQ incidents in the United States, with 52 percent targeting transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. This marked a 14 percent increase in attacks against transgender people compared to the previous year.
As Trump continues to engage in discussions surrounding transgender athletes, the implications of his remarks resonate beyond social media, affecting ongoing debates about inclusion and rights within sports and society at large.
