Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Jen Psaki Effortlessly Destroys Rightwing Reporter's Hand-Wringing Questions About Trans Healthcare

Jen Psaki Effortlessly Destroys Rightwing Reporter's Hand-Wringing Questions About Trans Healthcare
wh.gov

During a recent White House press conference, a reporter from EWTN Global Catholic Network asked a question about the Equality Act and gender confirmation surgeries for transgender Americans.

The reporter, Owen Jensen, cited the many pro-life groups who are opposed to the bill, and asked Psaki what President Joe Biden thought of their concerns.


"There's pro-life groups, right now, who are very concerned about the phrase 'pregnancy discrimination' in the Equality Act — you're familiar with that, I'm sure — that it would force doctors perform abortions even if it violates their conscience."
"There are also concerns the bill would force doctors to perform gender transition surgeries and sterilizations, again, even if the violates their conscience."
"What does the President — President Biden — say about those concerns?"

The Equality Act, which was recently passed in the House of Representatives, would put protections into place for LGBTQ+ people, women and disabled people to prevent discrimination based on their identities or disabilities.

The bill includes protections from healthcare discrimination, a common problem for all of these groups. There are many conservative Christian groups who claim the bill infringes on their religious freedoms, though, as Jensen asserted.

Psaki had no time for Jensen's attempted "gotcha" moment though.

She responded to Jensen's question by simply re-stating Biden's position on the issue.

"It has been his consistent belief that should be law, and he will fight to continue to protect that as being law."

Jensen again tried to make Biden out to be the bad guy.

"So conscience concerns is not a concern of his?"

But Psaki wasn't having any of it.

She again stated the President's support for the bill, and asked Jensen:

"Did you have another question?"

Jensen then went on to inquire about the future of the Department of Health and Human Services' Conscious and Religious Freedom Division, which was implememented during the Trump administration. The division exists for healthcare providers to report instances where they feel they were forced to participate in procedures that violate their religious beliefs.

In response to Jensen's question, Psaki referred him to the incoming Health and Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra.

"You'll have to talk to future Secretary Becerra, once he is confirmed."


Folks online really appreciated Psaki's smooth handling of the unpleasant situation.

Others also pointed out the Equality Act would not require providers to perform procedures they are not already performing.

President Joe Biden has been very clear about his stance on trans rights, making no attempts to beat around the bush. Trans rights are human rights.

After the Equality Act passed the House, the President tweeted:

More from Trending

Larry David; Bill Maher
Tommaso Boddi/Variety via Getty Images; Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images

Larry David Epically Trolls Bill Maher's Dinner With Trump In Satirical 'My Dinner With Adolf' Essay

Curb Your Enthusiasm actor Larry David had social media users cackling after he penned a satirical essay for the New York Times about an imagined dinner with Adolf Hitler to jab comedian Bill Maher over Maher's recent White House dinner with President Donald Trump.

Earlier this month, Maher said on his show that Trump was “gracious and measured" during their late March meeting. Maher, who has a history of criticizing Trump, stressed that he did not turn “MAGA” and “to the president’s credit, there was no pressure to” do so.

Keep Reading Show less
Rob Lowe; Chris Pratt
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Mindy Small/WireImage/Getty Images

Rob Lowe Easter Bunny Fail

Rob Lowe just proved he's willing to help out his friends in whatever way he can—even if that means dressing up as the Easter Bunny.

Lowe is known for many roles—Sodapop from The Outsiders, Sam from The West Wing, and more recently, he made a memorable appearance as the Easter Bunny for Chris Pratt’s kids.

Keep Reading Show less
Kristi Noem
Rebecca Noble/Getty Images

Kristi Noem's Purse Was Stolen At A D.C. Restaurant—And Everyone's Thinking The Same Thing

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was widely mocked after a man reportedly stole her purse, which contained her government ID, passport, medication, and around $3,000 in cash, on Easter Sunday as she enjoyed a meal with her family—all while she was being protected by the Secret Service.

The Secret Service reviewed surveillance footage from Capital Burger and saw an unidentified white male in a medical mask steal Noem’s bag and exit the restaurant, a law enforcement source said. An investigation is now underway to track any attempted use of her financial accounts.

Keep Reading Show less
Donald Trump; Pope Francis
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Grzegorz Galazka/Archivio Grzegorz Galazka/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

Trump Dragged For Saying He's 'Looking Forward' To Attending Pope Francis' Funeral

On Monday, the world learned that the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, had died at age 88.

On that same day, Republican President Donald Trump shared he'd be going go the social event of the year. Or at least his announcement made it seem so.

Keep Reading Show less