Members of the Democratic Party are facing widespread criticism online for comparing a new Department of Defense initiative to screen and treat military service members for testosterone deficiency with cross-sex "gender-affirming care." Sens. Adam Schiff of California and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii were among those who drew such comparisons on social media.
Schiff posted, "Pete Hegseth comes out in favor of gender-affirming care…," while Hirono questioned, "So the Pentagon is promoting gender-affirming care now?" Other Democrats shared similar sentiments, sparking immediate pushback from users who argued the two concepts are fundamentally different.
One user responded to Schiff, stating, "Giving testosterone to men is gender-affirming and not harmful. Chemically castrating a boy or a double mastectomy on a girl is gender-denying, irreversible and harmful. [Schiff] is not only a liar, he is stupid." In response to a post by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., that likened the program to gender-affirming care, conservative influencer "Just a Bama Gal" retorted, "Not even close."
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., also raised the issue during a House hearing, criticizing the program as "absurd." She suggested that the government could begin testing members of Congress for their "masculinity."
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the initiative on Wednesday, detailing that the military will begin screening service members over 30 for testosterone deficiency as part of their annual health assessment, with optional screening for those under 30. If treatment is recommended, service members will have the option of undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.
Hegseth clarified the program's intent in an X post, stating, "This is not about artificial enhancement; it’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight." He referred to the initiative as the "High-T Department of War."
Supporters of the initiative emphasized the medical importance of testosterone. Meaghan Mobbs, president of the R.T. Weatherman Foundation, explained that testosterone is a crucial endocrine signal affecting muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, metabolism, sexual function, energy, concentration, mood, recovery, and physical performance. Clinically low testosterone, she noted, can lead to symptoms such as exhaustion, loss of strength, impaired concentration, irritability, and depressed mood.
Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services Admiral Brian Christine voiced his support, stating, "Optimizing testosterone supports strength, endurance, healthy body composition, cognitive performance, mission readiness, and overall well-being—ensuring America’s fighting force is prepared to perform at its highest level."