Great Lakes Wire

Steve Cortes, president of the League of American Workers, has expressed opposition to taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures in Michigan, describing them as abusive. This statement was made in an op-ed.

"Republicans in Michigan hold the gavel—but will they hold the line," said Cortes. "Taxpayer-funded mutilation of children is not “healthcare,” it's state-sponsored abuse. Any Republican who votes for this betrays both children and country."

Michigan legislators have recently introduced bills aimed at restricting taxpayer funding for gender transition care. These proposals include barring procedures for minors and limiting provider activity. According to Michigan Advance, these measures have prompted strong opposition from Democrats and LGBTQ advocates, while conservatives have amplified the debate online. The social media account Libs of TikTok has highlighted the issue to a national audience. Supporters argue that the bills are intended to protect children, whereas opponents warn of potential harmful consequences.

Gender transition procedures for minors remain rare in the United States. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics reported approximately 1,130 adolescent chest masculinization surgeries performed nationwide from 2016 to 2019, with virtually none recorded among children under age 12. The costs for such surgeries often fall within the mid-five-figure range, highlighting the financial burden involved.

State Medicaid policies on gender-affirming care vary widely across the country. According to the Movement Advancement Project, some states explicitly cover transition-related treatments when deemed medically necessary, while others exclude coverage or lack clear rules. This results in a patchwork of access where taxpayer funding is heavily dependent on geography.

Cortes is a conservative political commentator and former Trump campaign adviser who now leads the League of American Workers. He built his career in finance before becoming a frequent media analyst on CNBC, CNN, and Fox News, focusing on economics and populist politics. Today, he emphasizes pro-worker and nationalist policies.

The League of American Workers is described as a populist advocacy organization founded and led by Cortes. It identifies itself as "patriotic populist" and prioritizes policies aimed at strengthening families, raising wages, and challenging globalist economic practices. The group advances its mission through research, commentary, and media campaigns.