Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" on Wednesday, marking another significant move in his administration's ongoing policy changes affecting transgender rights. The order directs federal agencies to interpret Title IX rules as prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in female sports categories. The signing took place on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, adding a symbolic weight to the mandate.
The new order impacts sports bodies across the nation, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which are expected to revise their rules to align with the directive. The White House's expectations underscore a broader push to enforce stricter gender policies within sports organizations. This move follows a series of controversial mandates by the Trump administration, aimed at reshaping sports and gender policy in the United States.
“With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over” – Donald Trump
The executive order also introduces broader implications beyond sports. It includes instructions for the federal government to eliminate what it describes as "radical gender ideology" from guidance, communication, policies, and forms. Notably, it prohibits gender transition for individuals under 19, banning gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers and surgical procedures. This has led several hospitals across the country to cease providing care for transgender youth.
“For the past two weeks the trans community across the United States has seen unending attacks from this administration on all aspects of our rights and daily lives.” – Olivia Hunt
Olivia Hunt from Advocates for Trans Equality expressed concerns about the relentless attacks on transgender rights from the current administration. The order represents a continuation of policies perceived as targeting the transgender community, with widespread implications for their rights and daily experiences.
The president of the NCAA commented on the limited presence of transgender athletes within its ranks, stating that fewer than 10 trans athletes compete among 520,000 students across 1,100 member institutions. Despite this small number, the administration has pressed forward with sweeping changes that affect all levels of sport.
Athlete Ally, a non-profit advocating for inclusion in sports, released a statement expressing their dismay at the order's impact on transgender youth. They highlighted the emotional toll of preventing these young athletes from participating as their true selves.
“Our hearts break for the trans youth who will no longer be able to know the joy of playing sports as their full and authentic selves.” – Athlete Ally