President Trump issues a broad executive order to address transgender care for minors. Trump’s order cuts federal funding for gender-affirming care for people under the age of 19. Federal insurance programs are required to exclude coverage for such care. Some members of the LGBTQ community have promised legal action, while others believe that gender-firming care for minors is dangerous.
Trump’s Executive Order: A Dramatic Shift in Transgender Care Policy
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that will significantly alter the landscape of gender affirming care for transgender minors in the United States. The order, which seeks to reduce federal funding for such care for people under 19, represents a significant departure from the Biden administration’s policies.
The executive order prohibits federal funding for puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and gender transition surgeries for minors. It also requires federally funded insurance programs such as TRICARE and Medicaid to exclude coverage for such care. This decision has far-reaching consequences for transgender youth, giving them the opportunity to reclaim their lives.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a sweeping executive order to end federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors under the age of 19.
The order, titled "Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," bans federal funding for hospitals…1/2 pic.twitter.com/NjVzzfg1Ei
— MR FRIMPONG 👑 (@mr_frimpong22) January 29, 2025
Encouraging Litigation and Targeting Federal Funding
Beyond restricting federal funding, the order takes several additional steps to discourage gender-affirming care. It encourages litigation and legislation against these practices and targets hospitals and universities that receive federal funds. The order suggests that Congress should allow lawsuits against providers of gender-affirming care by individuals who later regret their transition.
“It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.” – Executive Order
The language used in the order is notably critical of gender-affirming care, referring to such procedures as “maiming” and “mutilation.” This aligns with the views of social conservatives who have been pushing for restrictions on transgender rights in various states.
All of us that stood up, screamed and shouted to leave the damn kids alone …. Have made a difference.
This is a historic day. President Trump signed an executive order banning chemical castration and surgical mutilation on children.
Let’s see Democrats sue over this one! https://t.co/R5LJuT7c7P
— Moni 💕 (@MoniFunGirl) January 29, 2025
Medical Community and Advocacy Group Responses
The executive order has met with strong opposition from major medical organizations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. The American Medical Association, along with other prominent medical bodies, continues to support access to gender-affirming care, viewing it as necessary and beneficial for transgender individuals.
Advocacy groups have promised legal challenges to the order, citing concerns about discrimination and the potential harm to transgender youth. These organizations argue that the order lacks scientific support and may violate existing anti-discrimination laws.
Broader Implications and Legal Concerns
The executive order is part of a larger effort by Trump to reverse Biden administration policies on transgender rights. It directs the Justice Department to investigate states that protect access to gender-affirming care and bans federal agencies from using guidance from the World Association of Transgender Health.
Legal experts anticipate challenges to the order, particularly in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling that discrimination against transgender individuals violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The order’s implementation and its potential conflicts with existing laws and medical practices will likely be subject to intense scrutiny in the coming months.
