President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at barring individuals assigned male at birth from participating in women’s or girls’ sports events. This order, expected to be signed during a ceremony, signifies a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to transgender rights under Trump’s second administration. Building on a previous directive defining sex as male or female, the order aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to prevent men from competing in women’s sports, resonating with a majority of voters who believe transgender rights have been excessively advanced.

Scheduled on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the executive order will impact the interpretation of Title IX, a law crucial for gender equity in athletics and campus sexual harassment prevention. Supporters argue that the order upholds fairness for female athletes who have dedicated themselves to competing at the highest levels. The policy landscape surrounding Title IX has seen fluctuations between administrations, with shifts in policies under Trump and subsequent reversals by the Biden administration.

The potential impact of this order on the transgender athlete community remains uncertain, with ongoing debates over the necessity of such measures. Despite the limited number of documented cases involving transgender athletes, instances of their participation often attract heightened scrutiny and controversy. The order reflects broader societal tensions around gender, sports, and equality, with implications for the future of transgender inclusion in athletics.