In a move that reignites the debate over transgender rights in the United States, President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Wednesday barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. The decision aligns with a key campaign promise Trump made before returning to office and is part of his broader right-wing agenda.
According to the White House’s daily schedule, Trump will sign the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order in a ceremony at 3:00 PM (2000 GMT).
Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Today, President Trump will deliver on his promise to PROTECT WOMEN’S SPORTS!” She added that the order aims to “end the dangerous and unfair participation of men in women’s sports.”
Throughout his campaign, Trump frequently emphasized transgender athletes as a key issue, often criticizing his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, for her support of transgender rights.
Since taking office for his second term on January 20, the 78-year-old president has taken multiple actions against gender-nonconforming individuals.
He previously signed an order banning what he called “transgender ideology” in the military, effectively reversing policies that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly. Additionally, he issued another order restricting gender transition procedures for individuals under the age of 19.
Trump’s latest executive action follows a Republican-led push in Congress to limit transgender participation in sports.
In January, the GOP-controlled House of Representatives passed a bill seeking to bar transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. While the bill faces challenges in the Democratic-controlled Senate, Trump’s executive order signals his administration’s commitment to the issue.
AFP