Trump signs executive order banning transgender women from competing in female sports, enforcing Title IX violations and threatening federal funding cuts. Critics call it discriminatory
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports”, which immediately bans transgender women from competing in female sports. The order applies to high schools, universities, and grassroots athletics, enforcing strict penalties on institutions that allow transgender athletes to participate. Schools violating the policy risk losing federal funding.
Trump emphasized that any school permitting transgender women to compete in female sports or use women’s locker rooms will face federal investigation for Title IX violations. He also vowed to block transgender athletes from competing in international events held in the U.S., including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and announced plans to deny visas to transgender athletes traveling to the U.S. for competitions.
Declaring that “the war on women’s sports is over”, Trump defended the move as a necessary step to protect female athletes. He argued that transgender women have an unfair advantage, stating, “My administration will not stand by and watch men beat and batter female athletes.”
The order has sparked widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Olivia Hunt, director of federal policy at Advocates for Trans Equality, warned that the ban isolates transgender youth, discourages their development, and legitimizes discrimination. She argued that it targets children, preventing them from learning essential skills and participating in activities that foster growth.
Opponents of the order see it as part of a broader attack on transgender rights, while supporters claim it ensures fairness in women’s sports. As legal challenges loom, the debate over transgender inclusion in athletics is set to escalate ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
