A day before taking the oath as the next President of the United States, Donald Trump reiterated his stance on transgender athletes playing women’s sports. Speaking at a rally in Washington, Trump pledged to take immediate action, promising to sign an executive order on his first day in office to enforce the ban.
“We will get critical race theory and transgender insanity out of our schools,” Trump declared. “We will keep men out of women’s sports. It’s over.”
Trump’s comments resonate with his previous stance against the inclusion of transgender people in sports, an issue he has continuously raised throughout his campaign and rallies. Last month, he said that there are only two genders and promised to end what he described as “transgender lunacy” in the country.
Executive Orders on Day One
Trump’s executive actions would seek to:
- Prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at every level.
- Prohibit federal funding to schools that allow transgender participation in women’s sports.
- End the inclusion of transgender individuals in the military and public education systems.
“With the stroke of my pen on day one, we’re going to stop the transgender lunacy,” Trump said. “I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military, and out of our elementary schools and middle schools.”
A Wider Crackdown on Transgender Inclusion
Trump spoke as international sports bodies are moving to bar transgender women from competing in women’s sports. England Hockey revised its policy recently to exclude trans women from women’s categories, while Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association enacted similar rules for domestic tournaments. However, individual sports organizations have limited such reforms, rather than national policies in general.
This is the first time a national leader has pushed for a countrywide ban, and this marks the intent to have such rules across the United States.
The Role of the ‘Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act’
Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025,” a bill designed to withhold federal funding from schools that allow transgender athletes in women’s sports. Though the bill remains pending further Congressional approval, the plans indicate Trump is ready to act, even without legislative cover.
Support From Powerful Allies
Trump’s stance has been supported by influential personalities, such as billionaire Elon Musk. Last year, Musk condemned Algerian boxer Imane Khelif during a gender dispute at the Paris Olympics, saying, “Men don’t belong in women’s sports.” Musk’s public opinion is part of a larger sentiment among some conservatives, which further solidifies Trump’s determination to make drastic changes.
Challenges Ahead: The LA Olympics and Beyond
Domestically, Trump’s policies may have the support of the masses, but international pressures are strong. The IOC, for example, has long been a strong supporter of transgender athletes like Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu Ting, who have been able to compete in women’s events despite controversy surrounding their gender identities.
As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draw near, Trump’s stance may cause friction between U.S. policies and international sporting regulations. Whether the IOC and other governing bodies will align with Trump’s vision remains to be seen.
A Divisive National Debate
Trump’s stance on transgender participation in sports has been one of the most contentious issues that have sparked a national debate. Proponents believe that excluding transgender athletes will help maintain fairness in women’s sports, while opponents view it as a discriminatory policy against marginalized communities.
As Trump is set to assume office, the actions of his administration on this issue will probably define the political and social climate for decades to come.
