The Trump administration has displayed a notable aversion to the use of pronouns in professional communications. On several occasions, senior press aides have reportedly refused to address inquiries from journalists whose email signatures include identifying pronouns. This practice has been observed as part of a broader stance against what the administration refers to as “gender ideology,” which appears to also affect transgender, nonbinary, and intersex communities.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has stated that it is the administration’s policy not to engage with reporters who include pronouns in their bios, suggesting that such journalists do not align with the administration’s view of “biological reality or truth.” Similarly, Katie Miller, a senior adviser at the Department of Government Efficiency, has expressed that reporters who declare their pronouns are perceived as disregarding scientific facts, thus questioning their journalistic integrity. This policy has been applied consistently to journalists across various media outlets.
Despite the administration’s stance, there are circumstances where the inclusion of pronouns is practical, especially in cases where the journalist’s first name is gender-neutral. Additionally, acknowledging the existence and rights of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals is an important aspect of fostering a respectful and inclusive society. The administration has yet to clarify if this approach toward journalists’ email signatures is an official policy or when it was implemented. Meanwhile, federal employees have been advised against including chosen pronouns in their email signatures.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of this stance on press freedom and transparency. A spokesperson for The New York Times remarked on the implications of avoiding challenging questions due to the format of an email signature, highlighting the importance of open dialogue with the press, especially from the highest levels of government.
The Bottom Line
The decision by the Trump administration to avoid engaging with journalists who include pronouns in their email signatures underscores a broader debate around gender identity and expression. This approach may impact the administration’s relationship with the media, potentially affecting the flow of information to the public. By focusing on the format of communication rather than the substance of the inquiry, there is a risk of undermining transparency and the principles of a free press. For journalists, this policy might pose challenges in maintaining open channels of communication with government officials, ultimately influencing the public’s access to information.