Keith Self’s Remarks Lead to Heated Exchange and Abrupt Adjournment of Subcommittee Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing descended into chaos on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, when Representative Keith Self (R-Texas) repeatedly referred to Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress, as “Mr. McBride.” The incident, which unfolded during a session focused on arms control and U.S. assistance to Europe, prompted a sharp rebuke from Democratic Representative Bill Keating (D-Mass.) and culminated in Self abruptly adjourning the meeting.

The confrontation began when Self, who chairs the Europe Subcommittee, introduced McBride to speak, saying, “I now recognize the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.” McBride, maintaining composure, responded with a pointed, “Thank you, Madam Chair,” before attempting to proceed with her remarks. However, Keating swiftly interrupted, demanding that Self repeat his introduction. “Mr. Chairman, could you repeat your introduction again, please?” Keating asked, his tone signaling disbelief.

Self doubled down, reiterating, “The representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride,” and citing what he later described as “the standard on the House floor.” Keating, visibly angered, fired back, “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I’ve come to know you a little bit, but this is not decent.” When Self attempted to move forward with the hearing, Keating insisted, “You will not continue this with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.” Rather than relent, Self banged his gavel and ended the session.

The incident quickly drew national attention, reigniting debates over respect and recognition for transgender elected officials. Self later defended his actions on social media, posting, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” referencing a recent executive order signed by President Trump aimed at rolling back federal protections for transgender individuals. The statement drew both support and condemnation online, with some praising Self’s stance and others decrying it as disrespectful.

McBride, who won Delaware’s at-large House seat in November 2024, has faced similar incidents since taking office. In February, Representative Mary Miller (R-Ill.) referred to her as “the gentleman from Delaware” during a floor speech, a remark later revised in the Congressional Record. Despite such challenges, McBride has emphasized her focus on policy over personal attacks. In a statement to Politico following Tuesday’s clash, she said, “I came prepared to discuss policy, not political disputes. I’m here to represent Delaware and address the issues that matter to my constituents.”

As of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, neither Self nor Keating’s offices had responded to requests for further comment. The abrupt end to the hearing leaves unresolved questions about how such conflicts might shape future interactions in an increasingly polarized Congress. For now, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the personal and political fault lines that continue to divide lawmakers in Washington.