Story perspectives

Trump Claims “Reverse Surgery” for Trans Patients at Rally

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he ordered hospitals to perform “reverse surgery” on transgender patients at Carolina rally.
He made the claim while campaigning for U.S. Sen. Darline Graham before the August 11, 2026 Republican primary runoff.
Biden adviser Adrian Shanker called the claim “wild” and urged politicians to leave decisions to patients.
U.S. Sen. Darline Graham falsely said South Carolina has 50 million residents, though its actual population is about 5.5 million.

History

Historical Context

Donald Trump’s surprise win on November 8 2016, securing 304 Electoral College votes, ushered a right-wing populist era that questioned the LGBT-rights agenda championed by Hillary Clinton. The campaign’s reliance on misinformation, highlighted by documented Russian disinformation efforts, set a precedent that now fuels false claims about transgender health in public discourse.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he ordered hospitals to perform “reverse surgery” on transgender patients at Carolina rally.
He made the claim while campaigning for U.S. Sen. Darline Graham before the August 11, 2026 Republican primary runoff.
Biden adviser Adrian Shanker called the claim “wild” and urged politicians to leave decisions to patients.
U.S. Sen. Darline Graham falsely said South Carolina has 50 million residents, though its actual population is about 5.5 million.

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