Trump bans transgender athletes from women’s sports

President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. The order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” directs federal agencies to enforce Title IX based on gender assigned at birth.

At the signing ceremony in the East Room, Trump declared, “With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over.” Lawmakers and female athletes, including former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, joined him in support.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the order upholds Title IX and ensures “immediate enforcement actions” against schools and athletic organizations that allow transgender participation in women’s sports. The order coincided with National Girls and Women in Sports Day and follows a series of executive actions targeting transgender rights.

During his campaign, Trump emphasized the issue, appealing to voters across party lines. The AP VoteCast survey found that over half of respondents believed support for transgender rights had gone too far. Trump frequently promised to end what he called “transgender insanity.”

The order gives the Education Department authority to penalize schools that allow transgender athletes to compete, citing Title IX violations. Noncompliant institutions risk losing federal funding.

Enforcing the order remains a top priority. This week, the acting director of the Office for Civil Rights instructed staff to align investigations with Trump’s directives, according to sources speaking anonymously due to concerns of retaliation.

As the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles approaches, Trump also warned the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to inform the IOC that “America categorically rejects transgender lunacy” and demanded policy changes.

With this order, Trump continues to shape policies on gender and sports, sparking fierce debate nationwide.