Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has come under a flurry of criticism in recent days after a pair of comments about socialism and so-called “gender-affirming care.” In both cases, Ellison was attempting to stretch the meaning of both words.
During a June 29 appearance on an LGBT talk show, Ellison discussed “gender-affirming care” and claimed that it is not exclusive to transgender people, saying that “cisgender heterosexual people like myself use gender-affirming care every day and all the time.”
Ellison explained that he believes a man using erectile dysfunction medication, a woman receiving reconstructive surgery after a double mastectomy, or a woman with hair loss wearing a wig are all practicing “gender-affirming care.”
In reality, “gender-affirming care” is the process by which an individual attempts to change their appearance in a way that conflicts with their biological gender. Those efforts typically involve makeup, hair alterations, a change in dress, and chemical and surgical procedures.
Speaking to the talk show hosts, the attorney general argued that a double standard exists which penalizes transgender people for seeking out methods to change their appearance. Ellison said he believes this double standard is “bigotry.”
Riley Gaines, a prominent activist and Fox News host, responded to Ellison’s comments, saying, “Minnesota gives California a run for its money for [the] state with the most out-of-touch, radical ‘leaders.'”
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison: "Cisgender heterosexual people like myself use gender affirming care every day and all the time."
Minnesota gives California a run for its money for state with the most out-of-touch, radical "leaders"… pic.twitter.com/oPJXjoLt56
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) July 8, 2026
Many of those who responded to Gaines’ post were critical of Ellison’s comments, with one who said, “there is such an echo chamber of pseudo intellectual BS here in MN it makes me want to vomit,” and another saying the attorney general has “lost his marbles.”
Just a few days later, Ellison was on “The Dean Obeidallah Show” where the attorney general discussed the rise of Muslim elected officials in America before the conversation turned to socialism. Interrupting Obeidallah, Ellison said policing was an example of socialism.
“You call the cops, guess who pays them? Your tax dollars,” Ellison said. “Guess what that is? That’s socialism, pal! Sorry. You don’t contract for your own private police department or fire department or water inspection or public works.”
Obeidallah nodded along during Ellison’s comments but did not address them specifically. Instead, the talk show host shifted the conversation to a discussion about the growing divide in the Democratic Party over socialism versus capitalism.
The Republican National Committee shared a video of Ellison’s comments, and many of those who responded to the video were critical of what the attorney general said.
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison suggests Americans who call the police are engaging in socialism:
"You call the cops, guess who pays them! Your tax dollars! Guess what that is! That’s socialism pal!" pic.twitter.com/HAfVcujkhU
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 8, 2026
“Just because it’s paid for with taxes does not equal socialism,” one commenter said.
Alpha News contacted the attorney general for this story but did not hear back.
Rachael Van Rossum
Rachael Van Rossum is a journalist and author who studies political science in the Twin Cities. She previously interned with the Illinois House of Representatives and recently published her debut fantasy novel "The Hellburner of Sovi." Rachael is passionate about telling compelling stories and bringing to life the voices of political figures, athletes, and members of her community through engaging writing. She is the Alpha News journalism fellow for the summer of 2026.
