On February 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Under this directive, schools that fail to enforce the rule will lose federal funding. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education has been instructed to notify schools that allowing transgender individuals to compete in women’s sports constitutes a violation of Title IX.
Subsequently, on February 21, 2025, the Department of Education launched an investigation into the sports policies of schools in Maine. This action followed controversy over a transgender athlete who won the girls’ pole vault championship in the state. The victory drew criticism from several Republican representatives, including Laurel Libby.
During a White House meeting, Trump urged Maine Governor Janet Mills to align with federal policies, warning that failure to comply would result in the withdrawal of federal funding for the state’s schools. In response, Mills stated that she would take the matter to court if necessary.
President Trump further reinforced his stance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he reiterated his administration’s position on transgender athletes. He declared that under his leadership, only two biological sexes—male and female would be recognized, and transgender individuals would be barred from competing in women’s sports.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports
SILENCE FROM KRISTY COVENTRY
These decisions come amid ongoing controversies involving the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic committees of Algeria and Taiwan. Despite being aware of the biological and hormonal status of certain boxers who stirred debate at the Paris 2024 Olympics, these organizations neither took responsibility nor provided any official explanation when the facts emerged. The issue resurfaced during the IOC presidential candidates’ press conference at the Olympic Palace, where those involved in the organization’s decision-making, including board member Kristy Coventry, faced scrutiny. Coventry’s role, as a former Olympian herself, became a focal point given her responsibility in shaping the IOC’s approach to gender issues, especially as a female leader within the organization.
Before analyzing the popularity of the current U.S. president through the lens of party politics, it is essential to assess his leadership based on his commitment to protecting the American people. He is fully aware of the lack of scientific protocols for determining the gender of athletes and understands that the issue at hand is not about personal identities or sexual orientations. His stance is clear: he supports and, more importantly, safeguards female athletes in the U.S. based on biological definitions of male and female.
Macy Petty, NCAA volleyball player who talks about competing against transgender athletes
IOC’S UNCLEAR STANCE
At a critical juncture, as the leadership of the International Olympic Committee has struggled to take responsibility, Trump steps forward to defend the rights of U.S. athletes, putting an end at least within American sports to the growing uncertainty and disorder surrounding gender policies in athletes.
The 2028 Summer Olympics or any international sporting event hosted by the United States will inevitably reflect the policies now being solidified within the country. Donald Trump’s decision is already sending shockwaves through the world of sports, challenging the status quo at a time when the International Olympic Committee has struggled to address growing concerns from female athletes.
In Paris, instead of responding directly to the women who complained about the inclusion of transgender athletes, the IOC is evasive and excuses itself. In a speech, IOC President Thomas Bach defended the organization’s stance, insisting that Olympic policies are based on “inclusivity, not exclusivity.” However, his words rang hollow for the female boxers who were in the ring against two athletes one from Algeria and the other from Taiwan who were disqualified from the women’s category by the International Boxing Federation following a double gender verification test. These fighters, concerned about the physical disparities, voiced their concerns about potential health risks and, in one case, Angela Carini from Italy even refused to continue her match.
