Somebody who can have baby: Trump’s definition of woman sparks laughter

United States President Donald Trump, while addressing a press conference on Friday, gave his definition of a woman when asked ‘what is a woman’ amid Republican efforts to define sex based on birth and limit transgender rights.

The question arose as Trump introduced Alina Habba as interim US attorney for the District of New Jersey. After praising Trump’s female appointees, the reporter asked why it matters to understand the difference between men and women. Trump responded with a mix of lighthearted and serious remarks.

The journalist then asked, “Since Democrats seem to struggle answering this question, I want to ask you, what is a woman and why is it important that we understand the difference between men and women?”

Trump said that this was an “easy” question to answer before replying, “A woman is somebody who, under certain circumstances, can have a baby. She has equality. A woman is a person who is much smarter than a man—I’ve always found. A woman is a person who doesn’t even give a man a chance of success,” said Trump as the room erupted in laughter.

Shifting to a serious issue, Trump then spoke about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.

“A woman is also someone who, in many cases, has been treated unfairly. The idea that men can compete in women’s sports is not only ridiculous but deeply unjust. It disrespects and demeans women,” the president said.