“trump 2028”
As of May 1, 2025, former President Donald Trump has continued to allude to the possibility of a third term, despite the clear constitutional prohibition outlined in the 22nd Amendment. This ongoing
rhetoric, coupled with his administration's policies during his second term, has raised significant concerns within the LGBTQ+ community about the potential long-term implications for their rights and protections.
Constitutional Constraints and Political Maneuvering
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution unequivocally states that no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. Despite this, Trump has made public comments suggesting a desire to seek a third term, and some of his supporters have proposed amending the Constitution to allow this possibility. While such an amendment is highly unlikely, the mere discussion of it signals a willingness to challenge established democratic norms.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Rights
During his second term, President Trump has enacted several policies that have directly affected the LGBTQ+ community:
Executive Orders on Gender Identity: Trump signed Executive Order 14168, which mandates that federal agencies define gender strictly based on biological sex assigned at birth. This order has led to the rollback of protections for transgender individuals in various federal programs and services.
Military Service Restrictions: The administration attempted to reinstate a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. Although this move faced legal challenges and was blocked by federal courts, it reflects the administration's stance on transgender rights.
Healthcare Access: Policies have been implemented to restrict access to gender-affirming care, particularly for minors. Executive Order 14187 aimed to prohibit federal funding for such care, leading to legal battles and temporary injunctions in several states.
Long-Term Concerns
The potential for a third Trump term, or even the continued influence of his policies and judicial appointments, poses several long-term concerns for the LGBTQ+ community:
Judicial Appointments: Trump's appointments to the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court, have shifted the ideological balance of the courts. This shift could result in rulings that undermine LGBTQ+ rights for decades.
Policy Reversals: The rollback of protections and the implementation of discriminatory policies set precedents that future administrations might follow or find challenging to reverse.
Erosion of Democratic Norms: The discussion of circumventing constitutional term limits raises concerns about the erosion of democratic principles, which could have broader implications for civil rights and liberties.
Community Response and Advocacy
In response to these challenges, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are mobilizing to protect and advance rights through legal action, public awareness campaigns, and political engagement. The resilience and activism of the community remain crucial in confronting and countering policies that threaten their rights and well-being.
