White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has expressed support for the marketing partnership between transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney and beer brand Bud Light, in the first Biden administration statement addressing the controversial deal.
Anheuser-Busch, the company that produces Bud Light, has faced backlash in recent weeks after partnering with Mulvaney, who documented his alleged “gender transition” on TikTok.
Jean-Pierre argued that the criticism from Bud Light’s consumer base represents a supposed societal rejection of transgenderism.
Jean-Pierre stated during a press briefing that the level of violence and vitriol against transgender Americans must stop, citing bomb threats following a video posted by Mulvaney endorsing Bud Light.
She emphasized that the administration will do everything in its power to protect LGBTQI+ individuals who are under attack, particularly in statehouses across the country.
Last year, President Joe Biden hosted a discussion with transgender activists at the White House, including Mulvaney, who spoke about “gender-affirming health care.”
Since then, the president has opposed legislation in various states prohibiting sex change surgeries and hormone treatments for children, banning sexually explicit drag shows for minors, and protecting female sports leagues from men who identify as women.
The White House also issued a veto notice against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a federal bill that passed the House of Representatives without support from a single Democratic lawmaker.
Jean-Pierre pledged that the administration will fight to protect the rights of transgender individuals, urging an end to dangerous rhetoric, vitriolic language, and violence against them.
The White House recently faced controversy after senior officials participated in several Transgender Day of Visibility events shortly after a woman identifying as a man killed three children and three adults at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.
Biden has not met with the families of the victims but will host three Tennessee Democrats expelled or nearly expelled from the state’s General Assembly for breaking floor rules during a gun control protest.
Although prominent Democrats maintain that transgenderism remains outside of the societal mainstream, Mulvaney continues to attract numerous brands seeking his endorsement, even as their consumer bases voice frustration.
Brands partnering with Mulvaney include makeup brand Ulta Beauty, fashion house Kate Spade, grocery delivery service Instacart, toothpaste brand Crest, and skincare line CeraVe.
RELATED: It’s Not Just Bud Light: These 13 Major Brands Are Also Partnered with Transgender Dylan Mulvaney
Bud Light’s demand has seemingly dropped since the partnership’s announcement through a social media campaign.
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth released a statement addressing the controversy but did not mention Mulvaney or transgenderism, nor did he apologize to offended customers.
Whitworth emphasized that the company’s intent was never to be part of a discussion that divides people and that their business is focused on bringing people together over a beer.
