Rahm Emmanuel Weighs in on Gender Issues in Sports and Prisons

Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel, during a recent interview on SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Show,” expressed his views against allowing biological males to participate in women’s sports and highlighted his concerns regarding the placement of transgender individuals in women’s prisons.

In a two-minute segment, Emmanuel responded to Kelly’s rapid-fire questions, asserting his stance on these contentious topics. Notably, he mentioned the Trump administration’s actions concerning Leah Thomas, a biological male who competed in women’s NCAA swimming, indicating that Thomas should lose any records or titles earned while competing.

When asked directly by Kelly whether boys should be allowed to play in girls’ sports, Emmanuel quickly answered, “No.” He was then prompted about whether children under 18 should have the option to take hormone blockers. Emmanuel suggested that these decisions are best left to parents, emphasizing that children are generally too young to make such significant choices without their family’s involvement.

Kelly also brought up Minnesota’s policy allowing minors to seek transitioning treatments without parental consent, prompting Emmanuel to share his mixed feelings. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that while such decisions are deeply impactful, the child’s moral and emotional development must be considered, along with parental guidance.

Furthermore, Emmanuel categorically stated that biological men transitioning to female should not be housed in women’s prisons, a point that echoes broader debates on the subject. He referenced recent discussions on transgender issues during the 2024 election cycle, including statements from Vice President Kamala Harris about related advocacy.

Emmanuel’s remarks come at a time when the debate surrounding transgender athletes has gained significant media attention. This was particularly highlighted during Thomas’s participation in the 2022 NCAA Championship, where she won the women’s 500-yard final.

In light of these discussions, some college sports teams, including the women’s volleyball team at San Jose State, have opted to forfeit games against teams with transgender players, reflecting the ongoing tensions within the realm of women’s sports.

As Emmanuel mulls a possible presidential run in 2028, he has critiqued the Democratic Party, describing its current state as “weak and awakened,” and suggesting that its image has become increasingly “toxic.”