Children Targeted as 'Low-Hanging Fruit' in Broader Assault on Trans Rights
An official at a thinktank closely aligned with former President Donald Trump has openly described children as the "low-hanging fruit" in a strategic campaign to ultimately end gender-affirming care for all Americans. This admission came during a recent event in Washington DC, highlighting a coordinated and unprecedented effort by conservative activists and policymakers to restrict transgender rights across the United States.
Thinktank Event Reveals Long-Term Goals
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI), which boasts significant ties to the Trump administration, hosted a gathering focused on transgender policy "accountability and reform." Jennifer Bauwens, who leads research on family issues at AFPI, responded to a question about protecting adults from medical transition by stating, "At AFPI, we care about this issue no matter what age you are. I think sometimes in policy, we pick the low-hanging fruit and we get the win where we can so that we can keep forging ahead so that ultimately we can protect all people because that is the goal." She emphasized that the organization would not quit "until we see this thing totally and completely overturned."
An AFPI spokesperson later provided a statement on Bauwens' behalf, asserting that the thinktank prioritizes "'first, do no harm' and research-backed healthcare over a model that rests on weak evidence." The statement added, "We protect children first, because they are the most vulnerable and cannot provide informed consent to permanent, sterilizing procedures." However, the spokesperson did not issue a statement on behalf of the entire organization.
Influence and Policy Impact of AFPI
The AFPI wields considerable power in shaping policy and personnel within conservative circles. Last year, the thinktank claimed that at least 73 of its staffers were working for Donald Trump in his second term, including eight in cabinet-level positions. It boasted that the Trump administration had implemented, at least partially, "more than 90%" of its policy agenda. Formed by Trump alumni between his terms, AFPI is part of a network of conservative organizations that have directed substantial resources toward targeting transgender Americans.
This movement has supported Republican state lawmakers in passing bills that ban young transgender people from accessing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, participating in sports teams aligned with their gender identity, or using corresponding private facilities. These measures have so far primarily affected minors, but leaders are increasingly vocal about extending restrictions to adults.
Trump Administration's Aggressive Stance
Donald Trump capitalized on this momentum during his campaign and presidency. Within weeks of his second term, he signed five executive orders that restricted transgender rights in areas such as the military, schools, sports, healthcare, and legal documents like passports. While current restrictions on medical transition focus on children—defined as under 19 in some cases—and incarcerated adults, the administration's broader intentions remain a topic of debate.
When asked via email whether the White House planned to seek a ban on medical transition for adults, spokesperson Kush Desai stated, "The administration will continue to defend girls' sports and block unscientific and irreversible child transition procedures." This response suggests a continued emphasis on youth, but internal discussions reveal differing views.
Internal Divisions and Strategic Shifts
Scott Centorino, a former Trump staffer who served on the Domestic Policy Council with a focus on gender issues, provided insight into the administration's approach. He noted that Trump gave him "pretty much a blank check" and "endless runway" to pursue aggressive policies. Centorino highlighted proposed rules from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as examples, including one that would ban hospitals participating in these programs from providing gender-affirming care to young people, which he called a "nuclear weapon."
However, Centorino indicated that the White House was "laser focused" on youth when it came to medical restrictions, with internal disagreement about prioritizing adults. "There are, of course, different views in the administration about how much to prioritize or make policy changes that are relevant to adults, because there's disagreement in the public about that," he said. In contrast, Bauwens suggested at the AFPI event that targeting younger individuals helps shift public opinion, creating "more room to protect more people" over time.
Expanding the Battle to Social Transition
On the day of the event, AFPI published a model state bill authored by Bauwens that escalates efforts by targeting social transition. While many states have implemented rules preventing teachers from using transgender children's chosen names or pronouns without parental consent, this bill aims at licensed mental-health professionals. It would prohibit therapists or counselors from "initiating, recommending, or facilitating social transition for a minor," even if requested by parents, with violations potentially leading to loss of license or civil penalties.
This move coincides with a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down a Colorado law banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ children, arguing it violated the First Amendment. Bauwens commented in a press release, "Therapists have a sacred duty to protect the best interests of the clients entrusted to their care, and that duty requires the freedom to listen, ask hard questions, and speak truthfully without fear of government punishment."
This article was produced in partnership with Documented, an investigative watchdog and journalism project. Phoebe Petrovic is a senior democracy researcher with Documented.
