The Biden administration faced criticism after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognized “Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day” on December 8, 2024. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), HHS stated, “Today on Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day, everyone deserves to feel seen, respected and supported—no matter who they love. Create a world where everyone feels proud to be themselves!”
The acknowledgment drew swift reactions from conservative figures and Republican politicians. Stephen Miller, designated as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor in the incoming Trump administration, remarked, “Sanity is returning to HHS in 43 days.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) criticized the current administration, stating, “This entire Administration is nothing but activists…not public servants. January 20 can’t get here soon enough.”
This entire Administration is nothing but activists…not public servants. January 20 can’t get here soon enough. #MAHA #MAGA https://t.co/aDKhLenHZq
— Tommy Tuberville (@TTuberville) December 8, 2024
Senator-elect Jim Banks (R-IN) expressed his disapproval, commenting, “Glad this type of bulls*** will end on Jan 20! Can’t come soon enough.”
Glad this type of bullshit will end on Jan 20! Can’t come soon enough. https://t.co/2wgATIgRoT
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) December 8, 2024
Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, tasked by President-elect Trump to collaborate with Elon Musk on reducing government inefficiency, suggested a shift in focus: “Switch this to ‘Lower Healthcare Costs Day’ & we’d be making progress.”
Ramaswamy further criticized the administration’s priorities, stating, “Classic government tactic: blow ‘woke smoke’ to trick progressives into forgetting how much their own policies are screwing over all Americans (including even them). [HHS] should be focused on improving health outcomes & reducing cost, not promoting ‘Panromantic Pride Day.’”
Classic government tactic: blow “woke smoke” to trick progressives into forgetting how much their own policies are screwing over all Americans (including even them). @HHSGov should be focused on improving health outcomes & reducing cost, not promoting “Panromantic Pride Day.” https://t.co/y5ysEcVVel
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 8, 2024
Terry Schilling, Director of the American Principles Project, expressed anticipation for the incoming administration, saying, “I can’t wait until President Trump is back in office.”
I can’t wait until President Trump is back in office. https://t.co/SdBApfP4BO
— Terry Schilling ?? (@Schilling1776) December 8, 2024
President-elect Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS in the forthcoming administration. Kennedy has pledged to prioritize combating chronic health issues, addressing obesity, and restoring public trust in the department.
The recognition of Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day by the current administration underscores its commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse sexual orientations and identities. However, it has also ignited debate over the role of government agencies in promoting specific social causes, highlighting the ongoing cultural and political divisions within the country.