Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, a move he says will protect fairness in competition.
“The war on women’s sports is over,” Trump declared during a signing ceremony held in the White House East Room on Wednesday, surrounded by women and girls who supported the measure.
The executive order mandates that schools allowing transgender women and girls to compete in women’s sports could face investigations for violating Title IX—a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools that receive federal funding. Trump warned that institutions in violation risk losing their federal funding.
Enforcing Title IX in Athletics
The order directs the federal government to revoke funding from educational programs that “deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities.” It also prioritizes Title IX enforcement against schools that permit transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.
This policy was a central theme in Trump’s campaign, frequently drawing strong applause from his supporters. He and other proponents argue that transgender women have a competitive advantage and that allowing them in women’s sports could be detrimental to cisgender female athletes.
Critics, however, argue that the impact of transgender athletes on women’s sports is being overstated. They note that trans athletes represent a small percentage of competitors and emphasize the wide range of natural athletic abilities within both male and female sports categories.
Public Opinion and Policy Impact
The administration cites a 2023 Gallup poll indicating that nearly 70% of Americans believe athletes should compete based on their sex assigned at birth. While support for this policy may extend beyond Trump’s base, the White House has not clarified which specific federal funding streams would be withheld from schools violating the order.
Most public school funding comes from state and local sources, with federal contributions—primarily from Title I programs for low-income students—making up less than 10% of total revenue.
Shifting Title IX Regulations
Title IX, originally enacted in 1972, significantly expanded opportunities for female athletes in schools. Under the Biden administration, the law’s protections were broadened to include sexual orientation and gender identity, but a recent federal court ruling reversed those changes.
While the new executive order does not explicitly mention transgender individuals, Trump criticized what he called a push to “erase the very concept of biological sex” in favor of “militant transgender ideology.”
Despite this, a White House official, speaking anonymously, insisted the order is not about banning transgender athletes outright. Instead, they suggested alternative approaches, such as co-ed or open categories, could be considered to ensure fairness in sports.
Broader Policies on Gender Issues
The executive order is one of several recent actions by the Trump administration targeting policies related to gender identity. Other measures include restricting federal funding for schools promoting “gender ideology” and reinstating a ban on transgender individuals serving openly in the military.
As the debate continues, the administration’s latest order reinforces Trump’s broader stance on gender-related policies, setting the stage for further legal and political battles over the rights of transgender individuals in the U.S.