Former President Trump stated that Election Day would be called “Christian Visibility Day” after the White House acknowledged Transgender Day of Visibility as it fell on Easter.
President Biden issued a proclamation on Friday acknowledging Transgender Day of Visibility, which recognizes and pays tribute to the transgender and nonbinary community.
His proclamation resulted in criticism among conservatives as the holiday coincided with Easter. Transgender Day of Visibility has been acknowledged annually since 2009 on March 31, but this year it coincided with Easter Sunday.
“What the heck was Biden thinking when he declared Easter Sunday to be Trans Visibility Day?” Trump falsely alleged during a rally in Green Bay, Wis., prompting boos from the crowd.
“Such complete disrespect to Christians, and Nov. 5 is going to be called something else. You know what it’s going to be called? Christian Visibility Day, when Christians turn out at numbers that nobody has ever seen before,” Trump continued. “Let’s call it Christian Visibility Day.”
During the rally, the former president also said that “on day one, I will sign [an] executive order to cut federal funding for any school promoting critical race theory, transgender insanity and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content onto our children.”
Trump’s campaign and other Republicans expressed anger at Biden’s proclamation, with some arguing the observant Catholic needed to issue an apology.
“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in response to the backlash at the time.
“Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.”
The discourse surrounding transgender-related matters, primarily transgender women participating in women’s sports, has been a key focus for Republicans on societal cultural matters.
It’s not the first time Trump has dived into transgender-related issues. Last year, he outlined a list of policies he would enact if elected, including blocking access to gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
