Melania Trump has message for the LGBT community in rare political statement

Melania Trump has taken to social media with a message for the LGBTQ+ community, in a rare moment of commentary.

The first lady does not often take an open stance on policy, but took to X to share a reaction to the recent ruling by the US Supreme Court.

In the statement, which was shared to her X page, Melania quoted a section of her book Melania, which said: “As many of you may know, I fully support the LGBTQIA+ community. But we must also ensure that our female athletes are protected and respected."

The ruling, which was authored by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, upholds laws in several states which force transgender athletes to compete in the category of their sex assigned at birth, and has been described as 'deeply harmful' by advocates for transgender rights.

Melania posted the response on X (Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images)

In her statement, Melania said: "The U.S. Supreme Court has now legally confirmed this opinion: 'Under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, may schools maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females? ... The answer is yes.'"

She added: "America, we can support the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and also protect opportunities for female athletes. Respect everyone and keep girls' sports fair. Both ideals are essential."

Transgender women in competitive sports is a topic that Donald Trump has frequently commented on since taking office again, and the president posted about the Supreme Court ruling on Truth Social.

Referring to transgender women as 'men', the US president wrote: "BIG WIN: The United States Supreme Court just RULED AGAINST MEN PLAYING IN WOMEN'S SPORTS. Wow! That takes that ridiculous situation off the table!!!"

Melania welcomed the Supreme Court ruling (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The US Supreme Court motion passed by six votes to three, with Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan opposing it.

The ruling has been condemned by advocates for transgender rights in the US.

Sasha Buchert is Senior Attorney and Director of the Non-Binary and Transgender Rights Project, Lambda Legal, and said in a statement shared with ACLU: “This ruling is deeply harmful for transgender women and girls who only asked for the ability to participate in sports with their peers.

“Countless studies have demonstrated the myriad benefits that come with participation in team sports. Now, one population, transgender youth and collegians, are targeted for specific and baseless discrimination.

"We will not be deterred and will continue to fight back to secure the equal participation that all youth, including transgender youth, deserve.”