Activists sharply criticize new U.S. asylum rules
Thousands of gay men and lesbians were fired from U.S. government
President Joe Biden announced re-election bid on Tuesday
MAGA extremists 'banning books'
Books with LGBTQ themes disproportionately targeted by bans
Body will have 20 members
Tuesday marks four years since president announced 2020 run
Karine Jean-Pierre made comments during Thursday's briefing
Friday was International Transgender Day of Visibility
Statement comes against backdrop of anti-transgender laws