What did Seth Moulton say about trans athletes? Democratic rep's top aide resigns over controversial remarks
Seth Moulton's campaign manager Matt Chilliak has reportedly resigned after the U.S. representative was criticized for his comments on transgender athletes. The words were shared during Moulton's conversation with The New York Times on November 7, 2024, after Donald Trump emerged as the winner of the US Presidential Election.
Notably, Moulton's office has not yet shared any response to Matt's resignation. During his interview with The New York Times, Seth addressed Kamala Harris' defeat at the election by saying that the party should change its approach to transgender issues and added:
"Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face. I have two little girls, I don't want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat I'm supposed to be afraid to say that."
Before Seth Moulton's interview, Chilliak had also shared a post through X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:
"Millions of Americans today showed that they hate immigrants and transgender people more than they fear fascism."
However, the exact reason behind his resignation has not been revealed. Meanwhile, Seth's comments led to heavy criticism from different personalities and groups. According to WBUR's November 8 report, the Salem School Committee addressed their support to LGBTQ+ students in a statement, saying that the committee would celebrate their identities and praise their achievements.
Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Steve Kerrigan also replied to Seth Moulton's comments, stating that they are not a representation of the "broad view" of the Party and continued:
"The Massachusetts Democratic Party is proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, especially our transgender friends, neighbors, and loved ones across the Commonwealth."
Seth Moulton defends his comments in another statement
The 46-year-old has long been a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, which has opposed the ban on trans athletes from joining sports teams regardless of their gender. According to The Hill's November 8 report, he was the cosponsor of the House Democrats' Transgender Bill of Rights, which would allow trans athletes to join sports teams matching their gender identity.
While his recent comments on transgender athletes landed him in trouble, a spokesperson for Seth Moulton's office claimed in a statement to The Hill that he did not believe that transgender issues were the sole reason for Harris' defeat, as seemingly claimed in The New York Times.
On the other hand, Moulton also responded to the criticism in another statement shared with Fox News on November 9. He said that he supports the civil rights of the Americans alongside the transgender rights, adding that he would always fight for their "rights and safety." He mentioned:
"I stand firmly in my belief for the need for competitive women's sports to put limits on the participation of those with the unfair physical advantages that come with being born male."
Furthermore, Seth Moulton addressed the defeat of the Democratic Party in the recent elections, saying that they did not lose because of a "trans person or issue." He then spoke up on the reasons leading to their defeat and added:
"We lost, in part, because we shame and belittle too many opinions held by too many voters and that needs to stop. Let's have these debates now, determine a new strategy for our party since our existing one failed, and the unite to oppose the Trump agenda wherever it imperils American values."
The criticism towards Seth has continued on different platforms despite that he has shared a statement on the same. However, he has yet to address the resignation of his campaign manager.