Palm Springs, CA

In a recent interview on Fox News with Sean Hannity, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made a verbal dig at the LGBTQ community in relation to Harvard University’s educational programs.

Speaking about the president’s priorities for federal education funding, Leavitt stated, “The president is more interested in giving that taxpayer money to trade schools and programs and state schools where they are promoting American values but, most importantly, educating the next generation based on skills that we need in our economy and our society.” She added, “Apprenticeships, electricians, plumbers — we need more of those in our country and less LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard University, and that’s what this administration’s position is.”

While the Trump administration has not taken direct action to reverse federal protections for same-sex marriage or workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, LGBTQ advocates have expressed ongoing concerns. That concern is particularly heightened by the administration’s policies and rhetoric affecting the transgender community, including the Supreme Court’s decision allowing President Trump to implement a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, which critics view as a significant rollback of rights and recognition for transgender Americans. In previous terms and continuing under the current administration, transgender Americans have faced significant challenges, including efforts to restrict access to gender-affirming care, limitations on transgender participation in sports, and the rollback of certain federal protections in education and healthcare settings.

At the same time, the administration has elevated several openly LGBTQ individuals to high-ranking positions. Scott Bessent, a prominent investor and advisor, has served since 2025 as the 79th United States Secretary of the Treasury. He is the second openly gay Cabinet member in U.S. history, following Pete Buttigieg, speculated to run for President, who served as Secretary of Transportation under President Biden. Richard Grenell, also openly gay and a long-time ally of former President Trump, currently serves as Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions.

The administration continues to promote its emphasis on vocational education, skilled trades, and workforce development as central to its domestic policy. However, Leavitt’s comments have sparked renewed scrutiny about how those goals are being framed — and whether they risk marginalizing entire academic disciplines and communities in the process. For many LGBTQ Americans, especially those in the transgender community, the remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of continued vigilance in defending civil rights and representation in both public policy and education.

Harvard University