- President Trump signed an executive order banning biological males from women’s sports on National Girls and Women in Sports Day. While signing the order, Trump was surrounded by various female athletes.
- The order aims to protect “fair athletic opportunities” for women, rolling back Biden-era Title IX guidance.
- LGBTQ advocacy groups criticize the order, warning of potential harassment and discrimination for young people.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, Feb. 5, that bans trans athletes born as biological males from participating in women’s sports. The signing took place on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, with the president surrounded by female athletes from various sports.
Order aimed at protecting women’s sports
Trump signed the order after citing examples of women losing competitions to athletes born as biological males who identify as transgender women.
“Female athletes have been forced onto the front lines, and men claiming to be girls have stolen more than 3,500 victories and invaded more than 11,000 competitions designed for women,” Trump said before signing the order.
This issue was one that Trump frequently raised during his campaign, where he promised to end the participation of biological males in female sports. Trump stated that this was one of the issues that helped secure his election victory.
The White House defends the executive order
In a call with reporters on Wednesday morning, the White House clarified that the executive order is “not about transgender individuals” but instead aims to “protect women’s access to safe and fair athletic opportunities.”
Criticism from LGBTQ advocacy groups
Critics of the order, including the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Human Rights Campaign, argued that it could expose young people to harassment.
“This order could embolden people to question the gender of kids who don’t fit a narrow view,” the organization said in a statement. “Participating in sports is about learning the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. And for so many students, sports are about finding somewhere to belong. We should want that for all kids — not partisan policies that make life harder for them.”
Most Americans agree with the order
A Gallup survey conducted in May 2023 found that nearly 70% of respondents said trans athletes should only be allowed to compete on sports teams that correspond with their birth sex, up from 62% in 2021.
Plans to roll back Title IX guidance
As part of the executive order, the Trump administration also intends to roll back the Biden administration’s Title IX guidance. The previous guidance required schools to allow transgender students to participate in sports and use locker rooms and facilities that align with their gender identity.
Under Trump’s new order, students assigned male at birth will be barred from girls’ and women’s sports and facilities. The order further directs the Department of Education to investigate potential violations.
Collaboration with sports organizations
The administration will collaborate with sports organizations such as the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee. The White House expressed expectations that both organizations will comply with the new order.
