In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Seattle has issued a temporary restraining order against President Donald Trump’s executive order that aimed to halt federal support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth under 19. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by Democratic attorneys general from Washington state, Oregon, and Minnesota, along with three doctors as plaintiffs in the case. The order puts a hold on Trump’s directive while the legal proceedings unfold and was granted by Judge Lauren King, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden.

Trump’s executive order, signed last month, sought to cut federal funding for institutions providing gender-affirming care and directed federal insurance programs to exclude coverage for such services. The order also called for legal and legislative actions against gender-affirming care. The lawsuit argues that the executive order violates equal rights protections and states’ regulatory powers not delegated to the federal government.

This legal battle is part of a broader trend where Trump has issued orders targeting transgender rights, including restrictions on military service, education on gender in schools, and participation in sports. Legal challenges have been mounted against various Trump policies affecting transgender individuals, indicating a broader societal debate on the issue. As transgender visibility and acceptance increase, there is a notable pushback with several states enacting laws to restrict gender-affirming care for minors. The U.S. Supreme Court is yet to rule on the constitutionality of bans on such care, with ongoing legal battles shaping the landscape of transgender rights in the country.