U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday to prohibit transgender athletes from taking part in women’s or girls’ sports competitions thus sparking another heated national dispute about sports gender equality. The executive order dubbed “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” instructs federal agencies to implement Title IX compliance by defining “sex” based on biological birthright.
In an East Room signing ceremony Trump announced to the audience that “the war on women’s sports is now over.” Legislators and female athletes such as former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines joined forces at the event where they supported the competitive sports ban.
The order grants the Department of Education the authority to punish educational institutions and athletics groups allowing transgender competitors which can lead to federal funding withdrawal for non-compliant establishments. Through a statement White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt proclaimed the administration will immediately prosecute organizations who block single-sex athletics and locker room access. 
The order issued on Girls and Women in Sports Day received criticism as some claim it undermines the principles of inclusivity. The administration under Trump continues its restrictive measures against transgender rights through this latest policy action which follows previous decisions on military service and education and healthcare access.
Ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles Trump made a public declaration to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that his administration would oppose “transgender lunacy” in athletic competitions. The decision originated from Trump when he instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to stop issuing visas for male athletes claiming female identity.
Transgender rights activists together with civil rights organizations have launched immediate legal challenges after the new executive order was issued. The new policy faces strong legal opposition from experts who argue it violates federal laws along with constitutional guarantees ultimately extending the anticipated judicial proceedings.
The executive order reflects the mounting disagreement regarding transgender rights across the United States while the country faces its consequences.
