The Don’s take. Donald Trump shared his thoughts on the controversial anti-LGBT bathroom policy currently implemented by the state of North Carolina, and said Caitlyn Jenner can use any bathroom she wants in Trump Tower.
The GOP presidential front-runner, 69, was asked to share his beliefs about the policy during the Today show’s town hall in NYC on Thursday, April 21. “Oh, I had a feeling that question was going to come up, I will tell you,” Trump replied. “Well look, North Carolina did something that was very strong and they’re paying a big price and there’s a lot of problems. There have been very few complaints the way it is. People go, ‘They use the bathroom that they feel is appropriate, there has been so little trouble.'”
The controversial North Carolina bathroom bill bans transgender people from using restrooms appropriate for their gender identities.
The real estate mogul added that the state’s policy has caused incredible economic “strife” for various local industries already. “You leave it the way it is,” he argued. “There have been very few complaints the way it is. People go, they use the bathroom that they feel is appropriate. There has been so little trouble, and the problem with what happened in North Carolina is the strife and the economic punishment that they’re taking. So I would say that’s probably the best way.”
Today show cohost Matt Lauer then asked Trump about LGBT advocate Jenner, who is a transgender woman — not to mention a lifelong Republican. “If Caitlyn Jenner were to walk into Trump Tower, and wanted to use the bathroom, you would be fine with her using any bathroom she chooses?” Lauer inquired.
“That is correct,” Trump replied.
Jenner, 66, opened up to Diane Sawyer in a tell-all interview last April that she identified as a woman. Two months later, the former Olympian came out as a woman on the July 2015 cover of Vanity Fair. She is currently starring on her own E! docuseries I Am Cait, advocating on behalf of the trans community.
In addition to Trump, many public figures have spoken out against North Carolina’s bill, which was fast-tracked last month by the state’s governor, Pat McCrory. New York state governor Andrew Cuomo banned nonessential government travel to North Carolina days after the anti-LGBT law was signed into effect.
“In New York, we believe that all people — regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation — deserve the same rights and protections under the eyes of the law,” Gov. Cuomo said in a statement on March 28. “As long as there is a law in North Carolina that creates the grounds for discrimination against LGBT people, I am barring non-essential state travel to that state.”
Other stars to cancel engagements in North Carolina include Bruce Springsteen, Michael Moore and Sharon Stone.
