U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, marking his latest policy move targeting transgender individuals since returning to office.
“From now on, women’s sports will be only for women,” Trump declared before signing the order at the White House, where he was joined by female athletes and children. “With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over.”
The order grants federal agencies the authority to deny funding to schools that allow 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.
Prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, were present at the signing ceremony. “We will defend the proud tradition of female athletes, and we will not allow men to beat up, injure, and cheat our women and our girls,” Trump said to loud applause.
Push for International Policy Changes
Trump also announced plans to pressure the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to amend its policies on transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. He directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “make it clear” to the IOC that the U.S. demands changes to what he called “this absolutely ridiculous subject.”
Additionally, Trump instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to deny visa applications from individuals “attempting to fraudulently enter the United States while identifying themselves as women athletes to try and get into the Games.”
Broader Anti-Transgender Policies
The order is part of a series of executive actions rolling back transgender rights since Trump’s second term began. During his inauguration speech, he announced that U.S. government policy would officially recognize only two genders—male and female—eliminating the option for a third gender in official records.
Days later, Trump signed orders banning transgender individuals from military service and restricting gender transition procedures for individuals under 19. His administration has positioned these measures as part of a broader push against what he calls “radical gender ideology.”
Trump’s executive order follows a January bill passed by the Republican-led House, which severely restricts transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.
A Political Flashpoint
Transgender rights have remained a central issue in Trump’s political rhetoric, with the president repeatedly attacking Democrats on the topic during his 2024 campaign against Kamala Harris. One of his most viral slogans—“Kamala Harris is for they/them. President Trump is for you.”—was a direct jab at her support for transgender rights.
Trump also criticized Harris for her past backing of gender-affirming medical care for incarcerated individuals.
As transgender representation grows in the U.S., debates over gender identity and fairness in sports have intensified, with many conservatives rallying around women’s sports as a political battleground.
