Trump Signs Controversial Order Impacting Transgender Athletes in Sports

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump’s recent executive order banning transgender women and girls from competing in female sports has prompted investigations across federally funded schools and athletic organizations. Signed on February 5, the order aims to vacate achievements and records held by transgender women in high school and college competitions.

Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive appointed to lead the Education Department, emphasized her stance during a press conference, stating, “I do not believe biological boys should be allowed to compete with girls in sports.” This order could significantly reshape the landscape of transgender participation in athletics amid advocates’ warnings of a potential legal backlash and increased discrimination.

A federal judge in New Hampshire ruled on Wednesday that two transgender high school students can challenge the constitutionality of the executive order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” Amy Manzelli, mother of plaintiff Iris Turmelle, expressed disbelief at having to sue the president, saying, “Iris understands the gravity of the situation.” Turmelle, 15, hopes to join her school’s tennis team, while Parker Tirrell, 16, currently plays on her school’s soccer team.

Henry Klementowicz, deputy legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, pointed out that the lawsuit claims the students face discrimination, which violates their rights under federal equal protection guarantees and Title IX. Klementowicz stated, “New Hampshire’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, along with Trump’s executive order, excludes, singles out, and discriminates against transgender students.”

During Trump’s first term, the Education Department emphasized a strict interpretation of Title IX concerning sexual misconduct in schools, providing additional protections for accused students. The Biden administration later adopted a broader interpretation, asserting that “sex” includes “gender identity,” thus protecting transgender athletes. Trump’s executive order reverses this stance, defining sex as “immutable biological classification” while excluding gender identity considerations.

Schools failing to comply with Trump’s interpretation of Title IX may face the loss of federal funding. The Education Department has begun investigating potential civil rights violations related to the order. Investigations have already been initiated concerning California’s San Jose State University and the University of Pennsylvania regarding the participation of transgender athletes.

NCAA President Charlie Baker announced that, following Trump’s executive order, collegiate athletics would only permit student-athletes assigned female at birth to compete in women’s competitions. He noted that a “clear, national standard” was needed to avoid conflicting state laws and decisions. Despite the controversy, the NCAA did not report any athlete losing their federal funding due to non-compliance with the new rules.

Investigations have expanded to include the Minnesota State High School League and the California Interscholastic Federation, with claims that both governing bodies are planning to violate Trump’s executive order. Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, stated, “History does not look kindly on entities that actively opposed the enforcement of federal civil rights laws.”

As debates continue nationally, Indiana’s House education committee recently discussed a proposal banning transgender women from competing on female college sports teams. Following the committee’s vote, concerns were raised about the politicization of support for both cisgender and transgender athletes.

Internationally, Trump’s executive order has influenced sports governance beyond U.S. borders as well. One week after signing the order, World Athletics recommended stricter rules for female athletes with higher testosterone levels, while the International Boxing Association cited the order in a lawsuit against the International Olympic Committee concerning transgender athletes competing in the Olympics.

Trump has expressed intentions to review policies surrounding the admission of male athletes seeking to participate in women’s sports, hinting at further changes before the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.