President Trump wants Iowa to finalize already fast-tracked legislation that would eliminate protections for transgender people “AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.”
“Iowa, a beautiful State that I have won BIG every time, has a Bill to remove Radical Gender Ideology from their Laws,” Trump posted to Truth Social late Thursday, just hours after hundreds of LGBTQ+ advocates demonstrated at the state Capitol in Des Moines.
“Iowa should follow the lead of my Executive Order, saying there are only two genders, and pass this Bill – AS FAST AS POSSIBLE,” he added. “Thank you Iowa!”
The Iowa measure, which was first introduced last week, zipped through passage in the state’s GOP-controlled Senate on Thursday, with House approval coming less than an hour later. It now heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) for her signature.
Reynolds hasn’t said whether she will sign the measure, but the governor already has supported efforts to roll back transgender inclusion initiatives in the state, including using executive orders that ban gender-affirming care for minors and prohibit trans students from using school bathrooms that align with their gender identity.
Since reclaiming the White House last month, Trump has sought to end LGBTQ+ protections that were supported under the Biden administration, even bringing up the issue in his Jan. 20 inaugural address.
“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female,” Trump said.
Among his day-one executive orders, Trump signed one declaring that the federal government only recognizes two sexes – female and male — and another seeking to block gender-affirming care for minors. He also directed federal agencies to stop the promotion of gender identity, and moved to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs throughout the government.
