Washington, D.C. – Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that he won “the gay vote” during the 2024 presidential election, despite data showing he received only 12 percent of support from the LGBTQ+ community.
The 79-year-old made the remarks during a phone interview on Fox News’ The Five on Thursday, March 25, while discussing a range of topics including Iran, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
When asked about rumors that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son and successor of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was gay, Trump said he had been told it was the case, adding it “would put him off to a bad start in that particular country.”
He then commented on the dangers faced by women and LGBTQ+ individuals in parts of the Middle East. “But they kill women if you don’t wear… certain cloth all over your face, you have no chance of living,” Trump said. Regarding LGBTQ+ individuals, he added, “But they kill gays. They kill ‘em instantly. They throw ‘em off buildings.”
Trump then shifted the discussion to his own campaign, claiming he had strong support from LGBTQ+ voters. “I sort of [have] to smile to myself when I see women and the LGBTQ+ community supporting Palestine,” he said.
He further claimed, “I even played the gay national anthem as my walk off, okay?” seemingly referring to the Village People’s hit Y.M.C.A. He added, “But I did great. No Republicans ever got the gay vote like I did. And I’m very proud of it. I think that’s great. Perhaps it’s because I’m from New York City, I don’t know.”
Election analysts note that exit polls indicate Trump received only 12 percent of the LGBTQ+ vote in 2024, highlighting a discrepancy between his claims and actual voter data.
