WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to prevent transgender women and girls from competing in female sports. Supporters say this move ensures fairness, while critics argue it violates the rights of a small group of athletes.

The order directs the Department of Justice to enforce a ban on transgender participation in female school sports, following Trump's interpretation of Title IX, a law against sex discrimination in education.

At the signing ceremony, Trump declared, “The war on women’s sports is over,” standing with about 100 women and girls, some wearing sports uniforms. He added, “My administration will not stand by and watch men beat and batter female athletes.”

The order could lead to legal battles and threatens to cut federal funding for schools that allow transgender women to compete in female categories. However, this affects only a small number of athletes. The NCAA president recently told a Senate panel that fewer than 10 transgender athletes compete among 530,000 in college sports.

The NCAA welcomed the order, saying it provides a consistent national rule amid varying state laws. It confirmed plans to adjust its policies accordingly. Currently, the NCAA allows transgender women to compete but requires them to meet testosterone limits.

The issue has been a major talking point in Trump’s campaign, with his supporters cheering his stance on transgender athletes. Polls show most Americans oppose allowing transgender individuals to compete based on their gender identity. So far, 25 Republican-led states have passed laws banning transgender girls from female sports.

Federal courts have mostly ruled in favor of transgender athletes. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Idaho’s ban, and courts have also halted similar laws in West Virginia, Arizona, and New Hampshire. However, in 2024, a federal judge in Kentucky blocked President Biden’s interpretation of Title IX, which aimed to protect transgender rights in education.

However, voters have strongly reacted to this issue, often applauding when Trump speaks about banning transgender athletes at his rallies. He has also aired Television advertisements criticizing the participation of transgender women and girls in female sports. Polls suggest that most Americans disagree with allowing transgender athletes to compete based on their gender identity. So far, 25 Republican-led states have passed laws preventing transgender girls from joining girls’ sports teams.