Did Donald Trump mistake transgenic mice for ‘transgender mice’ in his speech? | – The Times of India

Former President Donald Trump took an unexpected turn during his address to Congress on Tuesday, claiming that the Biden administration had spent $8 million on “making mice transgender.” His remark prompted a mix of laughter and jeers from Republican lawmakers, as he insisted that taxpayer money was being wasted on unnecessary research.
Trump’s comments were part of a broader attack on government spending, aligning with recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Republican-backed initiative aimed at cutting what they deem frivolous expenditures. While listing examples, tech billionaire Elon Musk—who has been an outspoken critic of government spending—stood and waved as DOGE was mentioned, drawing cheers from Republican lawmakers.
The Origins of the Claim
Although Trump did not cite a specific source, his remarks appeared to echo concerns raised in a recent congressional subcommittee hearing led by Republican Representative Nancy Mace. The hearing, titled “Transgender Lab Rats and Poisoned Puppies: Oversight of Taxpayer-Funded Animal Cruelty,” scrutinized the allocation of taxpayer money for scientific research involving animal testing.
A report from the White Coat Waste Project, a watchdog group opposing government-funded animal research, claimed that over $10 million had been spent on projects involving transgender mice, rats, and monkeys. These figures gained traction in conservative circles, fueling allegations that taxpayer funds were being misused on controversial research.

Following Trump’s remarks, the White House responded by sharing a list of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, which included:

The total cost of these studies exceeded $8.2 million, aligning with the number Trump cited. However, none of these projects involved physically transitioning mice from one gender to another. Instead, they focused on understanding the effects of hormones on disease, reproductive health, and immune responses.
Fact-Checking the Numbers
Critics were quick to challenge Trump’s interpretation of these research projects. Reports suggested that the studies in question primarily involved transgenic mice—genetically modified rodents used in biomedical research to better understand human diseases—rather than experiments related to gender identity.

Transgenic mice are commonly used in laboratories worldwide to study conditions such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune system disorders. Scientists argue that research involving hormone therapy in mice is essential for developing treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect people undergoing hormone treatments, such as transgender individuals receiving gender-affirming care or postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy.
Additionally, watchdog groups pointed out past miscalculations in DOGE’s financial reports. The agency, championed by Musk and other fiscal conservatives, previously had to retract claims about supposed wasteful spending due to numerical errors. One widely circulated example involved a claim that the government had canceled an $8 billion contract, when the actual amount was only $8 million.
Transgenic or Transgender Mice?

Transgenic mice are genetically modified mice that have had foreign DNA introduced into their genome, allowing scientists to study specific genes and their effects on biological processes. These mice are widely used in medical and biological research to model human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions. By altering specific genes, researchers can observe how these modifications impact development, disease progression, and treatment responses. Transgenic mice have been instrumental in advancing treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and various cancers. Unlike the misleading claims in political rhetoric, transgenic mice are not related to gender identity studies but rather serve as essential tools for understanding genetics, drug efficacy, and disease mechanisms.
Political Spin and Scientific Reality

Despite the pushback from scientists and fact-checkers, the White House doubled down on Trump’s claims. Shortly after his speech, an official government page was reportedly altered to read, “Yes, Biden spent millions on transgender animal experiments.” However, as critics noted, the studies referenced in the document had no connection to gender identity alterations in animals.
Some political analysts suggested that Trump’s administration may have deliberately conflated transgenic studies with transgender-related research as part of a broader effort to criticize federal funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In recent years, some government agencies have come under pressure to remove terms related to “equity” and “inclusion” from public reports and funding announcements due to political opposition.
The controversy also touches on a larger philosophical debate about government funding for scientific research. While critics argue that certain studies are wasteful or ideologically driven, others warn that undermining scientific investment could hinder medical breakthroughs. Historically, NIH-funded research has led to major medical advancements, including new treatments for HIV, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
During his address, Trump took a moment to lament that he was not being applauded by Democrats. “I could find a cure to the most devastating disease, and [Democrats] sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements,” he said.
Yet, as institutions face the prospect of funding reductions, some scientists warn that the ability to find such cures may itself be at risk.