Rep. Sarah McBride defends DEI, pledges continued LGBT advocacy ahead of midterms

Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., a man who identifies as a “transgender” woman, defended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in a recent campaign interview and pledged to continue advocating for LGBT priorities.

In the Oct. 6 sit-down with host Rachelle Wilson on the “Make Some Intelligent Noise” podcast, McBride accused the Trump administration and Congress of demonizing the concepts. 

“I don’t know what anyone could object to in each of those words,” McBride said. “What do people have against diversity? What do people have against equity? What do people have against inclusion?”

McBride, formerly known as Tim, linked the defense of DEI to continued advocacy for LGBT policies.

“I continue with every breath in my body to fight for an America that builds on the progress of the Civil Rights Movement, that builds on the progress of the gender equity movement, that builds on the progress of the LGBTQ rights movement, and continues to move the ball forward,” McBride said.

McBride also alleged that the Pentagon had removed senior officers “simply because of their identity,” adding that the Trump administration is “trying to erase our country’s progress and deny that our diversity is part of the strength of this country.” 

President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies in January 2025 to eliminate DEI offices and programs, directing agencies to base employee performance reviews on individual skills and work rather than DEI factors. 

Breitbart News Editor Ezra Dulis characterized the interview as McBride campaigning on bringing back DEI if Democrats gain ground in the November midterms. 

McBride is seeking reelection Nov. 3 as Delaware’s sole representative in the U.S. House. The Cook Political Report rates the race “Solid Democratic.”

The interview comes as some prominent Democrats facing competitive midterm races have distanced themselves from previous positions on “transgender” issues, including support for allowing men to compete in women’s sports. As Zeale News previously reported, the rhetoric shift comes as recent polling shows that the vast majority of Americans are uncomfortable with “transgender” athletes competing on teams that don’t match their sex. 

>> 4 Democrats in tight races shift stances on ‘trans’ athletes in sports <<

Trump has urged his supporters in recent weeks to elect Republicans in the midterms, repeatedly asking them to vote as though he were on the ballot. At an Oct. 7 rally in Texas, Trump warned that Democratic control of Congress would threaten his administration’s agenda, as Zeale News previously reported.

“Please pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he said. “Get out and vote.”