'Fox and Friends' host criticized after referring to Vermont gubernatorial candidate as 'that transgender'

Taryn Ryder

Christine Hallquist made history Tuesday when she became the first openly transgender gubernatorial candidate nominated by a major political party in the United States. Hallquist, who is running as a progressive Democrat in Vermont, was celebrated by many for her groundbreaking victory — except over at Fox News.

During Wednesday’s episode of Fox & Friends, host Ainsley Earhardt casually referred to Hallquist on-air as “that transgender.” She seemingly mocked the campaign, saying that Hallquist ran against a teenager.

In a segment recapping primary victories across the country, Earhardt declared, “That transgender beat the 14-year-old. Remember, they didn’t have an age limit? So the 14-year-old said, ‘Well, I’m gonna run’ and ran in the primary. Didn’t win.”

Christine Hallquist and Ainsley Earhardt. (Photos: Getty Images)
Christine Hallquist and Ainsley Earhardt. (Photos: Getty Images)

Earhardt is referring to 14-year-old Ethan Sonneborn, one of four Democratic gubernatorial candidates who was on the ballot for Vermont’s primary election. Vermont has no age limit, only requiring that candidates have lived in the state for the past four years.

Earhardt was slammed on Twitter for her insensitive comment about Hallquist. Chelsea Clinton even chimed in.

Chelsea’s tweet caught the attention of Hallquist, who appreciated the former first daughter’s support. Hallquist also clarified her pronouns as “she, her, and hers.”

Earhardt has apologized, saying she “never meant anything derogatory” and that it was a slip-up.

“I was responding to the reporter’s comments when I moved too quickly and couldn’t recall Christine Hallquist’s name,” Earhardt tells The Wrap. “As a person of faith, I sincerely promise I never ever meant anything derogatory, and I am sorry it may have come off that way.”

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: