The President said Schools that Violated the Order Would Jeopardize their Federal Funding
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports. Schools that refuse to comply risk losing federal funding. The order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” was signed on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, underscoring Trump’s campaign focus on this issue.
Enforcement Through Title IX Changes
The Trump administration is leveraging the Education Department to enforce the policy by revising its interpretation of Title IX, the 1972 law banning sex discrimination in federally funded programs. A recent court ruling vacating the Biden administration’s Title IX interpretation has cleared the way for Trump officials to restore previous standards from his first term. The order also directs the State Department to press the International Olympic Committee to adopt similar policies.
Olympic Boxing Controversy
The debate over transgender athletes intensified after controversy surrounding Algerian female boxer Imane Khelif, who faced scrutiny over her gender at the Paris Olympics. Trump used her case as an example in his speech, falsely claiming she was assigned male at birth. Critics argue that such accusations stem from bias rather than science. The NCAA welcomed Trump’s order, stating they would align their policies accordingly in the coming days.
Trump further announced plans to push the International Olympic Committee to change its transgender athlete policies before the 2028 Los Angeles Games. He also directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to pressure the IOC, stating, “We want them to change everything… having to do with this absolutely ridiculous subject.”
Additionally, Trump tasked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with denying visa applications from individuals “attempting to fraudulently enter the United States while identifying themselves as women athletes to try and get into the Games.”
Administration and Legal Reactions
Education Department deputy general counsel Candice Jackson affirmed that the administration will prioritize enforcing Title IX under the new directive. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt cited a poll indicating that a majority of Americans oppose transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
Legal challenges arose immediately. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong denounced the order as harmful and vowed to fight it. Meanwhile, the NCAA’s president, Charlie Baker, signaled that the organization would adjust its policies in response.
Support and Opposition
Conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups praised the move, emphasizing their belief in biological differences between men and women. Representative Nancy Mace called the order a defense of fairness and Title IX’s original intent.
On the other hand, civil rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the policy, warning that it could lead to invasive testing of athletes and the exclusion of transgender individuals from sports.
State and Legislative Impact
More than two dozen states already bar transgender athletes in school sports, and a House bill seeking a nationwide ban passed in January but faces an uncertain future in the Senate. The executive order is expected to influence future legal battles and policy shifts in athletic governing bodies.
As the debate continues, the impact on student-athletes, schools, and sports organizations will unfold in the coming months.
