Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is making waves with his campaign’s focus on transgender issues as a centerpiece of his closing message before the upcoming election. His rhetoric and the messaging at his rallies make clear his stance against transgender rights, casting a small segment of the American populace as a threat to the nation’s identity.

At his rallies, Trump often employs fiery rhetoric intertwined with misleading claims about transgender individuals, particularly focusing on their roles in the military and sports. His allegations include false assertions about transgender athletes and exaggerated portrayals of their involvement in various public spheres.

Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, has also joined the fray, using conservative media platforms to suggest that some teenagers might identify as transgender to gain an advantage in university admissions, tapping into broader conservative frustrations around topics such as affirmative action.

Despite the heated nature of their campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s opponent, has largely refrained from engaging directly with these attacks. She maintains that policies supporting transgender rights were present even during Trump’s administration, emphasizing adherence to established laws.

Polling data reflects a mixed bag of opinions in the United States on transgender rights. While a significant portion of Americans express moral objections to gender transitions, there is also considerable opposition to laws banning medical procedures that assist transgender individuals. This division in public opinion makes the issue a contentious topic in political discourse.

Trump’s campaign strategists seem to be betting on rallying his loyal base by spotlighting these cultural issues. However, opponents argue that this focus might alienate moderate voters who are more concerned with other pressing matter like the economy.

Civil rights advocates warn of potentially negative impacts should Trump’s policies be implemented. They argue that these proposed measures could marginalize an already vulnerable community and negatively affect transgender people’s safety and rights across the nation.