A new Department of Health and Human Services report linking support for transgender individuals to political violence is being criticized by experts for its methodology and political nature.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a report that associates "gender ideology" with left-wing authoritarianism and political violence. The document, which was not peer-reviewed, has drawn sharp criticism from scientists and legal experts who describe it as "nakedly political" and methodologically flawed. The report targets medical organizations that provide guidelines on gender-affirming care, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association.

Criticism of Methodology and Purpose

Epidemiologist Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz stated the report is "pseudoscience" and noted that the survey used to gather data lacked a robust measure of authoritarianism. He argued that the questionnaire essentially identified political affiliation rather than violent tendencies. Daniel Aaron, an associate professor at the University of Utah, suggested the report might violate the federal Information Quality Bulletin, which requires peer review for influential government scientific information.

Context of Gender-Affirming Care Policy

The report follows broader administration efforts to restrict access to gender-affirming care, including investigations into hospitals and the exclusion of such care from certain insurance plans. Craig Konnoth, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, stated that the report appears to be a broadside attack on the scientific establishment, using trans rights as a vehicle to undermine mainstream medical organizations.

Authors' Response

Colin Wright, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and an author of the report, stated that the study was published quickly due to a leaked draft. He disputed that the study was intended to link trans support to violence, arguing instead that it examines how medical guidelines may push individuals toward ideological extremes. Wright noted that researchers plan to release further data and submit the study to a journal for peer review.