US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Wednesday barring transgender athletes from women’s sports, his latest move targeting transgender people since returning to office.
The action fulfils a pledge made by the Republican leader before beginning his second term with a radical right-wing agenda.
The White House stated in its daily guidance that Trump would sign the “No Men in Women’s Sports Executive Order” in a ceremony at 3:00 pm (2000 GMT).
“Today, President Trump will deliver on his promise to PROTECT WOMEN’S SPORTS!” Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said on X.
Kelly claimed the order would “end the dangerous and unfair participation of men in women’s sports.”
Throughout his election campaign, Trump frequently raised the issue of transgender athletes, also targeting Democratic opponent Kamala Harris over her stance on trans rights.
Since returning to office on January 20, the 78-year-old billionaire has issued a wave of executive orders, frequently targeting gender non-conforming people.
Trump has already signed an order removing what he called “transgender ideology” from the military, effectively banning transgender troops. Another order restricted gender transition procedures for individuals under 19.
His latest executive order follows the Republican-led House of Representatives passing a bill in January that severely limits transgender athletes from competing in female sports.
Republicans have intensified attacks on Democrats over transgender issues, particularly regarding youth and sports, as part of a broader culture war over LGBTQ rights.
While transgender people remain a small minority, their growing visibility in the United States has prompted debates over gender norms and fairness, with many conservatives rallying around women’s sports.