Former U.S. President Donald Trump marked the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol insurrection by launching renewed attacks on transgender people, drawing criticism from civil rights advocates and political opponents.
Speaking at a gathering of Republican lawmakers, Trump shifted attention away from the violent events of January 6, 2021 — when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to overturn the presidential election — and instead focused on cultural and social issues, particularly targeting the transgender community.
During his remarks, Trump mocked transgender athletes and criticized policies that allow transgender people to participate in sports according to their gender identity. His comments included derisive language and gestures that advocacy groups described as demeaning and inflammatory.
LGBTQ+ organizations condemned the speech, saying Trump used a historically significant and painful anniversary to promote division and stigmatize an already vulnerable group. Critics argued that the rhetoric was part of a broader political strategy to energize his base through so-called “culture war” issues rather than addressing the events of January 6 or threats to democratic institutions.
Supporters of Trump defended the remarks, claiming he was raising concerns about fairness in women’s sports and resisting what they describe as progressive social policies.
The anniversary of the Capitol attack remains a deeply sensitive moment in U.S. politics, symbolizing one of the most serious challenges to American democracy in modern history. Trump’s decision to focus his speech on transgender issues rather than the insurrection itself has intensified debate over his leadership, priorities, and continuing influence within the Republican Party.
