In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. The decision, announced Wednesday at the White House, aims to “protect the integrity” of women’s sports and ensure fair competition.
“From now on, women’s sports will be only for women,” Trump declared to a cheering audience of female athletes and supporters. “With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over.”
The new order empowers federal agencies to withhold funding from schools that allow transgender athletes to compete on women’s teams. Trump warned, “If you let men take over women’s sports teams or invade your locker rooms, you risk losing federal funding.”
The decision has sparked widespread debate. Supporters, including top Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson, praised the move as a victory for fairness. “We will defend the proud tradition of female athletes and ensure they’re not cheated out of opportunities,” Trump added.
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However, critics argue the order targets a marginalized group that makes up only 0.6% of the U.S. population, according to a recent Gallup poll. Advocacy groups have labeled the policy discriminatory and a blow to inclusivity.
Trump also announced plans to pressure the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to revise its rules on transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to push for changes, saying, “This ridiculous subject has no place in global sports.”
Additionally, the president ordered Homeland Security to deny visas to individuals fraudulently identifying as women to participate in U.S.-hosted competitions.
A Broader Agenda
This executive order is part of a broader push by Trump to roll back transgender rights during his second term. Earlier, he announced a policy recognizing only two genders and signed orders banning transgender individuals from the military and restricting gender-affirming care for minors.
The issue has been a cornerstone of Trump’s political strategy. During the 2024 election, his slogan, “Kamala Harris is for they/them. President Trump is for you,” became a rallying cry for conservatives.
