Trump says Election Day will be referred to as ‘Christian Visibility Day’ after attacks over transgender holiday

Former President Trump said on Tuesday that Election Day would be referred as “Christian Visibility Day” after the White House issued a proclamation this year recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility as it coincided with Easter.  

President Biden issued a proclamation on Friday recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility, which recognizes and honors the transgender and nonbinary community.

His proclamation sparked backlash among conservatives as the holiday also coincided with Easter. Transgender Day of Visibility has been recognized each year since 2009 on March 31,  but it happened to fall on Easter Sunday this year.  

“What the hell was Biden thinking when he declared Easter Sunday to be Trans Visibility Day?” Trump misleadingly claimed during a rally in Green Bay, Wis., prompting boos from the crowd.  

“Such total 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 pushing 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 rhetoric around transgender-related issues, most commonly transgender women competing in women’s sports, has been a part of Republicans’ focus on social culture war topics. 

It’s not the first time Trump has delved into transgender-related issues. Last year, he outlined a list of policies he would enact if elected, including blocking gender-affirming care access for transgender minors.