Speaker Mike Johnson Gets Asked About Trans Representative's Gender: His Response Is Troubling

House Speaker Mike Johnson refrained from directly addressing whether incoming transgender House member Sarah McBride of Delaware is a man or a woman during a Tuesday morning press conference. However, following notable feedback from social media and likely fellow Republican lawmakers, Johnson later clarified his stance.

Sarah McBride, previously known as Tim McBride, identifies as a woman, making her the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. This prompted a pointed question during a Capitol Hill news conference: “Is freshman-elect Sarah McBride a man or a woman?”

Johnson initially sidestepped, saying, “Look, I’m not going to get into this. We welcome all new members with open arms who are duly elected representatives of the people. I believe it’s a command. We treat all persons with dignity and respect, and we will. I’m not going to engage in silly debates about this.”

While his intention to maintain respect for all members is clear, Johnson’s initial reluctance to provide a straightforward answer raised concerns. As a professing Christian, he cited the Golden Rule, encouraging the treatment of others as one would like to be treated. However, some questioned how this principle intersects with biblical teachings on truth and gender.

Jesus’ words, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” were invoked to underscore the importance of clarity. Regarding gender, Jesus referenced Genesis, stating, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female?” This message, spoken during the Roman Empire’s complex views on gender, was cited as a foundation for addressing the matter.

By afternoon, Johnson provided a definitive response, stating, “I just want to make a statement for all of you and be very clear. I was asked a question this morning at the leadership gaggle, and I rejected the premise, because the answer is so obvious.” He continued, “Let me be unequivocally clear. A man is a man, and a woman is a woman. And a man cannot become a woman. That’s what scripture teaches, what I just said.”

Johnson maintained, however, that treating everyone with dignity is equally essential. “We can do and believe all those things at the same time. And I wanted to make that clear to everybody because there’s lots of questions. That’s where I stand. I stood there my whole life, and those are facts.”

Christina Pushaw, an aide to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, supported Johnson’s later remarks. She posted on X, “He knows the answer to the question. Stating the truth, that a man is still a man even if he chooses to present in a feminine way, is not disrespectful. Treating everyone with dignity does not require dishonesty.”

Johnson also faced inquiries about managing bathrooms and locker rooms for members. “This is an issue that Congress has never had to address before,” he stated. “We’re going to do that in a deliberate fashion, with member consensus on it, and we will accommodate the needs of every single person.”

Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina voiced her stance, urging that the upcoming House rules explicitly state “no men are in women’s private spaces.” The issue resonates broadly with many Republicans, including President-elect Donald Trump, who campaigned on protecting women’s spaces in sports, bathrooms, and locker rooms.

Johnson’s firm response sets the stage for potential Republican action on these policies, beginning with establishing clear rules on Capitol Hill.