In a recent episode of his late-night show, CBS host Stephen Colbert took aim at the Trump Administration, criticizing its decision not to issue a proclamation for Pride Month.
Colbert's critique extended to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a move he described as "shortsighted and long-stupidded and unsurprising." He further accused the administration of rolling back LGBTQ rights, citing actions such as banning transgender individuals from military service and cutting funding for LGBTQ health initiatives.
Colbert expressed his dismay at the absence of a Pride Month proclamation, suggesting it reflects a lack of inclusivity and humanity within the White House. He remarked, "means the White House is less inclusive and has less humanity than the Buffalo Bills, who tweeted, Happy Pride. Feeling all the Buffalove! Even they know! Even an NFL team knows. Even the Bills know love is love is Buffalove.
According to Breitbart, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the administration's stance, stating, "There are no plans for a proclamation for the month of June," during a media briefing. She emphasized, however, that President Trump is committed to being a leader for all Americans, regardless of their background.
This decision aligns with the administration's previous approach, as President Trump did not issue Pride Month proclamations during his first term. Nonetheless, he did acknowledge Pride Month on social media in 2019, highlighting his administration's efforts to decriminalize homosexuality globally, a first for a Republican President.
The tradition of presidential proclamations for Pride Month began in 1999 with President Clinton, who designated June as "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month." This was later expanded by President Obama in 2011 to include bisexual and transgender individuals. While the Trump Administration's decision not to issue a proclamation may be seen as a departure from this tradition, it underscores a broader conservative perspective that prioritizes limited government intervention and individual freedoms over symbolic gestures. The administration's focus remains on substantive policy changes, such as the global decriminalization of homosexuality, rather than ceremonial declarations.
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