Trump has broad support for some transgender policies, poll finds

Apnews - May 10th, 2025
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A recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that about half of U.S. adults approve of President Donald Trump's handling of transgender issues, marking a high point in his overall approval ratings. However, support for individual policies varies significantly, with strong opposition to measures affecting transgender youth, such as the use of school bathrooms and government-funded gender-affirming care. The poll indicates more support for allowing transgender troops in the military, while most respondents oppose using government programs to fund gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth.

The implications of these findings are significant as they highlight the deep divide among Americans on transgender rights, a key issue in Trump's political agenda. While Trump's policies resonate with a segment of the population, they face legal challenges and opposition from medical professionals who view gender as a spectrum. The Supreme Court's recent decision to allow the enforcement of the transgender military ban during ongoing legal challenges further complicates the situation. The results underscore the complexity of public opinion on transgender rights, with a notable portion of the population remaining neutral or undecided on these contentious issues.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant discussion on transgender rights and policies under the Trump administration, addressing public opinion and the implications of these policies. It is generally clear and well-structured, making it accessible to readers interested in understanding these issues. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency in its use of poll data and more diverse expert perspectives to enhance its accuracy and balance. While it does a commendable job of presenting differing viewpoints, the inclusion of more detailed data and expert analysis could further strengthen its impact and engagement potential. Overall, the article effectively highlights important public interest issues but could improve in areas of source quality and transparency to provide a more comprehensive and authoritative account.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several claims that are generally supported by the information provided, such as the poll results about public opinion on transgender issues and specific policies under the Trump administration. However, the article lacks detailed verification of these claims, such as the exact poll numbers and methodology, which are crucial for assessing their accuracy. Additionally, the article could benefit from more explicit citations or links to the original poll data and statements from medical organizations like the American Medical Association to substantiate its claims about medical perspectives on gender identity.

6
Balance

The article attempts to present a balanced view by including perspectives from individuals with differing opinions on transgender issues. It quotes both supporters and opponents of Trump's policies, as well as individuals who are neutral or undecided. However, the article's focus on Trump's policies might overshadow other relevant perspectives or developments in transgender rights, potentially skewing the reader's understanding of the broader context. The inclusion of expert opinions or data from transgender advocacy groups could provide a more comprehensive view.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and logically structured, with a straightforward presentation of the main points and claims. The language is accessible, and the tone is neutral, which helps in maintaining clarity. However, the inclusion of technical or legal terms without sufficient explanation might hinder understanding for readers unfamiliar with transgender issues or policy discussions. Breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms or providing brief explanations could improve clarity.

6
Source quality

The primary source of information is a poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which is a reputable source. However, the article does not provide direct access to the poll's methodology or detailed results, which could enhance its reliability. Furthermore, while individual opinions are included, the article lacks quotes from experts or authoritative sources that could provide additional credibility and depth to the analysis of transgender issues and policies.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context about the poll and the policies discussed, but it lacks transparency in terms of detailed methodology and the specific questions asked in the poll. This lack of detail makes it difficult for readers to fully assess the validity of the claims. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting, which is important for maintaining transparency and trust with the audience.