Whole thing was fucking weird. It's why I'm convinced world governments definitely have ulterior motives for giving gender/LGBT shit attention. It's the perfect distraction.

But, on the other hand, while your argument is right, the equal argument would be that "You're Putin. You play both sides of the government to divide the US or other world governments, so no matter who's in charge they'll ignore you. You have designs on wars of annexation, and because the leaders of both parties are on your side you can get away with it. Why the hell would you use that ulterior motive, knowing it'll guarantee you angry up LGBT-rights activists, and from there, people who skew on the left, and turn them against you? By remaining silent, then you'd have the left or right, whoever's in power, on your side as you make your plans and so no one would notice or care."