An official at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a thinktank with close ties to President Donald Trump, has described children as the 'low-hanging fruit' in a broader effort to end gender-affirming care for all Americans. The comments were made at an AFPI event in Washington DC last month focused on transgender policy 'accountability and reform'.
During the event, Jennifer Bauwens, who leads research on 'family issues' at AFPI, responded to a question about adult transition by stating: '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 added: 'We're not going to quit until we see this thing totally and completely overturned.'
An AFPI spokesperson later clarified that the organisation prioritises 'first, do no harm' and research-backed healthcare, and protects children first because they are 'the most vulnerable and cannot provide informed consent to permanent, sterilizing procedures'. The thinktank, formed by Trump alumni, has significant influence, with at least 73 staffers reportedly working for Trump in his second term and over 90% of its policy agenda implemented at least partially by the administration.
The event also featured Scott Centorino, a former special assistant on Trump's Domestic Policy Council, who said the president gave him 'pretty much a blank check' to pursue aggressive policies on transgender issues. Centorino pointed to proposed rules from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services as examples of this approach. Trump has already signed five executive orders restricting transgender rights in areas including the military, schools, and healthcare.
When asked whether the White House intends to seek a ban on medical transition for adults, spokesperson Kush Desai said the administration will continue to 'defend girls' sports and block unscientific and irreversible child transition procedures'. The AFPI is one of several conservative organisations that have helped pass bills targeting transgender youth in at least half of US states.
