By Trump Bans Transgender Women from Competing in Female Sports Categories
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order prohibiting transgender women from competing in female sports categories. The order provides legal guidance and regulations while authorizing the Department of Education to investigate high schools suspected of non-compliance.
Republican leaders argue that this move ensures fairness in women’s sports. However, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and human rights organizations criticize it as discriminatory. The ban affects high school, university, and grassroots sports, with immediate implementation.
Several sports governing bodies, including those overseeing swimming, athletics, and golf, have already barred transgender women from competing in elite female categories if they have experienced male puberty.
Government Action on Transgender Athletes
White House officials stated that this order allows the Department of Education to examine how schools enforce Title IX, a federal law that bans sex discrimination in education programs receiving government funding. The Biden administration previously supported protections for LGBTQ+ students under Title IX but did not issue clear guidelines on transgender athletes.
“If men are allowed to take over women’s sports teams or enter female locker rooms, schools will be investigated for Title IX violations and risk losing federal funding,” Trump declared.
The administration also plans to engage major sports organizations, such as the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), to discuss the concerns of female athletes and their families at the White House.
Impact on International Sports and the 2028 Olympics
Officials confirmed that the US will work to prevent transgender athletes from competing in International Olympic Committee (IOC) events held on American soil. This policy will be enforced at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Trump further announced that visas would be denied to transgender athletes attempting to compete at the LA Games.
Declaring that “the war on women’s sports is over,” Trump vowed that his administration would not allow men to compete against female athletes. He directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to deny visa applications from individuals attempting to enter the US as transgender female athletes.
An IOC spokesperson responded, stating that the organization would continue discussions with international sports federations and relevant authorities regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The White House claims these policies are widely supported by Americans and are essential for maintaining fairness and safety in women’s sports. However, human rights advocates strongly oppose the order. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, stated that the move “subjects young people to harassment and discrimination, making it easier for others to question their gender based on appearance.”
“For many students, sports provide a sense of belonging,” Robinson added. “This policy introduces partisan barriers that make life more difficult for them.”
According to the UCLA Williams Institute, less than 1% of the US population over the age of 13 identifies as transgender, with an even smaller percentage participating in sports.
On his first day in office, January 20, Trump signed another order defining sex strictly as male or female under federal law.
