Transgender women barred from Olympics under new US policy
Transgender women banned from Olympic competition (Photo: Getty Images)
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has adopted a new policy under which transgender women athletes will no longer be allowed to compete in events, reports The Hill.
The USOPC document emphasizes that the decision is based not on ideology but on scientifically grounded data and principles aimed at ensuring fair competition.
The policy also references Presidential Executive Order No. 14201 titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports," signed by Donald Trump.
The order states that the participation of transgender women in women's competitions threatens "of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth."
This executive order became the basis for the new restrictions on participation in national Olympic teams.
The New York Times was the first to report on the changes, noting that the new rules are part of a broader political strategy by the Trump administration aimed at limiting inclusive policies in sports.
Trump's position
It is worth recalling that back in February, Trump promised that transgender athletes would not be allowed to compete in women's events at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
USOPC President Gene Sykes and CEO Sarah Hirshland explained in a joint letter to stakeholders that, as a federally chartered organization, the USOPC is obligated to comply with applicable regulatory expectations.
However, the USOPC did not specify how the new policy will affect athletes with so-called DSD (differences in sex development).
A committee spokesperson declined to comment, stating that there is "no additional info to share at the moment" at this time.
It is also worth noting that on May 6, the US Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender military service, opening the door to the dismissal of thousands of current service members and rejection of new applicants, pending ongoing litigation.
Additionally, on May 13, it was reported that the Pentagon is suspending medical care for transgender service members, including hormone therapy and surgical procedures.
At the same time, Reuters reported that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the discharge of transgender service members who do not voluntarily leave the military by June 6.
