You underestimate human stupidity. Something I want to stress is that this is not unique to the USA. Stupid people like this are everywhere, the USA is just the most famous pig pen.

You are not correct when you claim that everyone knows what the Republican’s prorities are. One of the big talking points that got Trump elected was “No New Wars”. A lot of people are politically ignorant and need things shoved in their faces. Making Republicans explain why their political leader is vetoing helpful policies is one of the easiest ways to shove politics into people’s faces.

You are correct that these measures won’t pass under Republican control; it would still be helpful polticially. Even if Republicans vote to pass the measures because they know it will be veoted, this will be helpful by breaking the party unity of the Republicans. “Congressman, the President vetoed a measure you supported. Why do you think that is?” is an easy way to force politicans to force themselves to put distance between themselves and the larger party.

I want to believe the Ratchet Effect won’t apply here, but I’ve been hurt before.

It’s just consultants. The audience and constituents that are being listened to are just consultants. Most people don’t give a fuck about trans people cuz they are such a tiny minority. Neoliberal consultants have seen the success of conservative culture war narratives and have adopted the, “can’t beat 'em, join 'em” strategy because they don’t want to do the actual work beating culture war narratives would require, which is pushing progressive policies.