In a landmark move, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning transgender women from competing in female sports, declaring that “the war on women’s sports is over.” The order also mandates the withdrawal of federal funding from schools that do not comply, marking a dramatic shift in the administration’s approach to gender policies in athletics. This decision comes amid a growing national debate over fairness in women’s sports and the inclusion of transgender athletes.
The order aligns with recent moves by international sports organizations, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) continues to defer transgender eligibility rules to individual sports federations. However, this policy could face revision when a new IOC president takes office in March, with World Athletics leader Sebastian Coe—a vocal proponent of restricting women’s sports to cisgender athletes—among the contenders. Meanwhile, the NCAA is reviewing the executive order, with President Charlie Baker noting that fewer than 10 transgender athletes currently compete in NCAA sports.
Beyond athletics, Trump’s latest order is part of a broader push to restrict transgender rights. His administration has sought to reverse federal recognition of gender transitions, bar transgender individuals from military service, and eliminate federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors. In education, new directives limit how gender identity can be discussed in schools, further intensifying the political battle over LGBTQ+ rights. These sweeping policies have drawn fierce opposition from civil rights groups and legal advocates, who argue they violate constitutional protections.
Legal challenges to Trump’s order are already taking shape, with civil rights attorneys contending that federal law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. Questions have also arisen regarding whether the president has the authority to dictate policies to private organizations like the NCAA. The administration is expected to face a wave of lawsuits from advocacy groups and affected athletes, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle that could reach the Supreme Court.
As controversy mounts, global sports officials and Olympic organizers remain largely silent, with the 2028 Los Angeles Games yet to issue a response. Meanwhile, Trump’s order extends beyond domestic sports policy, directing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to deny visas to “men fraudulently identifying as women athletes” seeking to compete internationally. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, this order could have significant diplomatic and sporting consequences, further entrenching the divide over transgender rights in athletics.
