On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that bars transgender women from participating in women's sports, fulfilling a key campaign promise. "In just a moment, I will sign a historic executive order to prohibit men from competing in women's sports. It's about time. My administration will not stand idly by as men overpower and defeat female athletes. From now on, women's sports will be exclusively for women," Trump declared during his speech ahead of the signing in the East Room of the White House.
The executive order mandates that schools and sports organizations receiving federal funding cannot allow transgender athletes to compete in female sports. Those who violate this order could face investigations for Title IX violations and lose federal funding.
"With this executive order, the war on women's sports is over. We are restoring sanity and common sense, defending the rights, safety, and pride of the American people, including our great, great, great female athletes," Trump added.
The decree specifies that Title IX, the regulation that prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded educational programs, should be interpreted as a ban on transgender women participating in women's sports. "We are putting all schools that receive taxpayer funds on notice: if you allow men to take over women's teams or invade their locker rooms, you will be investigated for Title IX violations and risk losing your federal funding. There will be no federal dollars," the president warned.
According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, this executive order marks the end of what she describes as the "gender ideology madness," referencing prior administrations' policies that allowed transgender women in women's sports.
The signing ceremony was attended by athletes, coaches, and advocates of excluding transgender women from women's sports, including swimmer Riley Gaines, a prominent voice on this issue. "We are honored to be joined today by many incredible defenders of women's sports, including the brave swimmer who has been on the front line of this battle, Riley Gaines," Trump said.
On social media, both the White House and Trump celebrated the measure as a crucial step in the "protection of women's sports." In a tweet, the president proclaimed: "From now on, women's sports will be exclusively for women."
Since the start of his second term, Trump has pushed a series of measures aimed at dismantling diversity policies implemented by previous administrations. In January, he signed orders that define "biological sex" as a legal distinction between men and women in official documents, such as passports and prison records.
With this decree on sports, the White House strengthens its stance on recognizing biological sex as the sole criterion in defining gender policies. The executive order takes effect immediately, and the Trump administration has warned of strict penalties against any institution that fails to comply.
Understanding the Implications of Trump's Executive Order on Women's Sports
What does Trump's executive order on women's sports entail?
The order prohibits transgender women from participating in women’s sports in institutions receiving federal funding, with violators risking Title IX investigations and loss of funding.
How does this order affect schools and sports organizations?
Schools and organizations must comply with the order or face investigations for Title IX violations, potentially losing federal funding if they allow transgender women to compete in female sports.
Who attended the signing ceremony of the executive order?
The ceremony was attended by athletes, coaches, and advocates such as swimmer Riley Gaines, who support the exclusion of transgender women from women's sports.