Fact Check: "Trump's administration scrubbed LGBTQ terms from the White House website."
What We Know
Following the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January 2025, significant changes were made to the content available on the White House website. Reports indicate that nearly all references to LGBTQ and HIV-related resources were removed from the site, as well as from key federal agency webpages. GLAAD, a prominent LGBTQ media advocacy organization, stated that this action reflects a broader agenda to censor information related to LGBTQ Americans and issues, making it harder for individuals in the community to access federal resources (GLAAD).
Additionally, an executive order issued by President Trump emphasized a return to "biological truth," explicitly defining terms such as "sex," "male," and "female" in ways that do not recognize gender identity as distinct from biological sex. This order mandated that federal agencies remove any statements or policies that promote what the administration termed "gender ideology" (White House).
Analysis
The claim that the Trump administration scrubbed LGBTQ terms from the White House website is supported by multiple sources. GLAAD's statement indicates a systematic removal of LGBTQ content, which aligns with the administration's broader policy changes that prioritize biological definitions over gender identity (GLAAD).
The executive order issued on January 20, 2025, outlines a clear directive for federal agencies to cease using gender identity in their communications and to focus solely on biological definitions. This order not only reinforces the removal of LGBTQ terminology but also establishes a framework that could further marginalize LGBTQ individuals within federal policies (White House).
However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. GLAAD is a well-established organization advocating for LGBTQ rights, and their claims are based on direct observations of changes made to federal resources. The White House source is an official government document, providing a primary account of the administration's policy changes. Both sources are credible, as they come from recognized organizations with relevant expertise and authority.
Conclusion
The evidence supports the claim that the Trump administration removed LGBTQ terms and resources from the White House website and other federal agency pages. This action aligns with the administration's broader policy shift towards a strict biological definition of sex, effectively erasing recognition of gender identity from federal discourse. Therefore, the verdict is True.
