President Donald Trump of the United States is set to sign an executive order this Wednesday, which will ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports—a key promise he made during his electoral campaign. "President Trump vowed to bring back common sense to our nation, and he is delivering on that with an executive order to be signed later today... keeping men out of women's sports... The madness of gender ideology is over," stated Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson.
According to a White House document reviewed by ABC News, the order will issue broad directives on sexual and sports policies, instructing federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, to interpret Title IX—which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally assisted educational programs—as a ban on the participation of transgender girls and women in female sports competitions. "The executive order to be signed by the President later this afternoon reaffirms the promise of Title IX," the spokeswoman emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for Congress to take immediate action on the matter.
The new rule, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," will take effect immediately, targeting schools and sports associations that deny "women single-sex sports and single-sex locker rooms." The signing ceremony is expected to be attended by athletes, coaches, and advocates who oppose the inclusion of transgender individuals in women's sports.
May Mailman, Trump's deputy assistant, noted that the executive order will further roll back Joe Biden's policies, which required schools and sports organizations to treat gender identity and sex as equivalent. In January, Trump signed several executive orders dismantling diversity and inclusion policies related to "gender ideology" enacted by the previous administration.
One such order mandated federal agencies to treat "biological sex" as a clear distinction between men and women, excluding any other interpretations. Henceforth, federal forms, such as passports and visas, will only allow "male" or "female" options. Similarly, federal prisons and immigrant shelters must ensure "single-sex spaces."
"What we are establishing today is a U.S. policy that recognizes two sexes, male and female. These are unchangeable sexes based on fundamental, incontrovertible reality," stated a White House official.
Understanding Trump's Executive Order on Gender and Sports
What is the main purpose of Trump's executive order on women's sports?
The order aims to exclude transgender athletes from participating in women's sports by interpreting Title IX as prohibiting their inclusion, thus maintaining a separation based on biological sex.
How does this order impact schools and sports associations?
Schools and sports associations are required to adhere to the order by ensuring that sports and locker rooms remain single-sex, based on biological distinctions.
What changes will be made to federal forms and facilities?
Federal forms will only offer "male" or "female" options, and federal facilities like prisons and shelters must provide single-sex accommodations.