Caitlyn Jenner has expressed an interest in running for public office. The disclosure arrived during a media tour to promote her new memoir, during which she also revealed that she had voted for President Donald Trump.
On April 25, Jenner said that she would be open to entering the realm of politics if it would help her advocate for the transgender community.
“Yes, I would have to look, over the next year or two, look and see, can I do a better job on the outside or am I in a position now that I can do a better job for my community on the inside,” Jenner told CNN.
The Olympic gold medalist added that her conservative leanings would not preclude her from opposing the agenda of Trump and other GOP lawmakers if they pass legislation that is harmful for transgendered Americans.
“I will come after [Trump] and come after Republicans if they come after my community,” Jenner continued. “I’ve got a voice and they better listen, OK? I will come after them.”
Jenner concluded that she “would seriously look at a run. It just depends where I could be more effective.”
On April 21, Jenner disclosed that she had voted for Trump during the 2016 presidential election. She added that she was disappointed by the president when his Department of Justice and Department of Education jointly rescinded an Obama administration guidance calling for public schools to accomodate transgender students under Title IX.
“[Trump] wanted me to come play golf with him,” Jenner told ABC News. “At that time, I thought it was a pretty good idea, but since Title IX — it’s not a good idea and so I won’t be playing golf with him.”
Jenner added that she would gladly meet with the president if it was to discuss transgender issues.
On April 24, Jenner explained that she had voted for Trump because of his GOP affiliation and that she initially believed he would be progressive on LGBT issues.
“I would rather convince the Republican Party to do a better job when it comes to all LGBT issues than try to convince the Democrats to lower taxes and lowers regulations and let our country thrive economically,” Jenner told Fox News.
As both a transgender celebrity and a vocal conservative, Jenner has received criticism from members of both communities. On April 24, she stated that her loyalties ultimately belonged to the transgender community.
“Yeah, I’ve gotten criticized because I come from a more conservative Republican side, but my loyalties are not with the Republican Party… I’m not a one-issue voter,” Jenner told the AP. “I believe in limited government. I like lower taxes. I like a thriving economy. I like everybody working, but my loyalties are with my community and to make it better.”
Jenner is currently on a press tour to promote her new book, “The Secrets of My Life.”
Sources: ABC News, AP via ABC News, CNN, Fox News / Photo Credit: Disney | ABC Television/Flickr
