Donald Trump does not want transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. According to a recent report, the US President signed an executive order titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" on Wednesday. He proclaimed an end to what he termed the era of "men beating and battering female athletes."
This unprecedented and unpopular step would ensure enforcement of the rules on competition based on gender at the national level, thus possibly having a widespread impact on schools, sports organizations, and even the Olympics.
Trump Weighs in on Transgender Athletes Competing in Women's Sports
In the signing event at the White House, Trump made clear the new requirement bars transgender competitors from competing in athletic events with biological women, TMZ Sports has learned.
"It's going to end, and it's ending right now," Trump said, speaking to a cheering crowd. "Nobody's going to be able to do a damn thing about it, because when I speak, we speak with authority."
According to reports, the executive order will grant the Department of Education the power to withhold federal funding from schools allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. This move would impact high school and college-level athletics across the nation.
Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Trump also extended his directive to encompass national sports and reach as far as the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He added that he would be enlisting the involvement of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to implement stricter rules.
Trump added that he would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to "deny any and all visa applications made by men." Those who will fraudulently enter the country and identify themselves as "women athletes" have no place to compete in the Olympic Games, the 78-year-old politician said.
Trump's Executive Order Attracted Support and Criticism
Trump's action touched off heavy interest on both sides of the divisive issue. The order drew support from people including former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who has taken up Trump's cause.
Gaines, critical publicly of her situation competing against the transgender athlete Lia Thomas, attended the event.
"This is about fairness and protecting female athletes," she said in one repetition of many in this drive for more fairness.
Yet, the order has been denounced by groups for LGBTQ+ rights and civil rights.
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson released a statement of disapproval.
In an interview with ABC News, Robinson said that sports is all about the values of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. The human rights advocate said that sports are something that many students feel belonging to.
Of course, it's automatic that this executive order will not be accepted by everyone; it will be legally contested by advocacy groups based on its violation of Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex within educational programs, including athletics and sports programs.
Additionally, international athletic associations and organizations, such as the IOC, may also oppose the restrictions.
The debate is sure to get hot, and transgender participation in women's sports will not go down without a fight. With schools, athletes, and legal experts ready to square off, this executive order might be one of the most fought policies in recent sports history.
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