A heated showdown unfolded during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing when Sen. Josh Hawley (R‑MO) and former Biden administration gun violence official Gregory Jackson Jr. clashed over policies promoting “two‑spirit” safe spaces. Hawley pressed Jackson to define the term and challenged his group’s advocacy for diverting funds from policing toward programs centered on “two spirit, trans, and gender‑nonconforming” communities.
When Jackson stammered, “I’m not completely aware of the language,” Hawley shot back forcefully: “Your record is there in black and white … it’s a disgrace.” Jackson retaliated, invoking his own experience surviving a shooting: “I take offense that you’d think the last 13 years weren’t focused on reducing violence.” Hawley retorted that Jackson refused to answer questions and defended “absurd” policies.
Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R‑IA) eventually slammed his gavel, admonishing, “I don’t think we’re getting any place.” The exchange underscores deep tensions over identity politics, public funding priorities, and transparency in language used in federal social programs.
