During a recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. government spent $8 million to “make mice transgender.”
The bizarre statement left many scratching their heads. But it’s believed that Trump may have confused “transgenic” with “transgender.”
So, what are transgenic mice, and why are they used in research?
🧬 Transgenic Mice are genetically modified mice that have had specific genes added, removed, or altered.
Scientists use them to study biological processes and human diseases such as:
- Cancer 🦠 – Researchers modify genes to study tumour growth and find potential treatments.
- Alzheimer’s Disease 🧠 – Scientists alter genes to understand neurodegeneration (gradual death of nerve cells in the brain).
- Diabetes & Metabolism 🍽️ – Genetically modified mice help researchers study insulin regulation and metabolic disorders.
Transgenic mice are an essential tool in medical research, allowing scientists to test treatments in a controlled environment before moving to human trials.
Trump’s claim likely originated from a White Coat Waste Project report, which highlighted NIH-funded studies involving hormone therapy in animals.
However, these studies weren’t about “making mice transgender.” They were using transgenic mice to research how hormones impact health.
