President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” effectively prohibiting transgender women from participating in female athletic events.
“From now on, women’s sports will be only for women. With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over,” Trump declared during the signing ceremony at the White House, surrounded by young female athletes.
The order empowers U.S. government agencies to withhold federal funds from educational institutions that permit transgender athletes to compete on women’s teams.
“If you let men take over women’s sports teams or invade your locker rooms, you will be investigated… and risk your federal funding,” Trump warned.
In addition to domestic policy changes, Trump announced plans to pressure the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to amend its rules on transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
He stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been directed to “make it clear” to the IOC that the U.S. seeks comprehensive changes regarding this issue.
This executive order is part of a series of actions by the Trump administration targeting transgender rights.
Earlier, Trump signed orders to eliminate gender transition procedures for minors, restrict transgender military service, and end the recognition of a third gender in government policies.
The move has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, stated that the order “exposes young people to harassment and discrimination, emboldening people to question.”
Trump’s actions fulfill a campaign promise to address the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, an issue that featured prominently in his 2024 election campaign.
He frequently criticized his opponent, Kamala Harris, for her support of transgender rights, using slogans like “Kamala Harris is for … is for you.”
The executive order is expected to face legal challenges and has intensified the national debate over transgender rights and the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports.
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