Trump Signs Executive Order To Update NCAA Policy On Transgender Athletes

Two major developments reshaped the landscape of women’s sports in the United States.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender girls and women from participating in female sports, while the NCAA announced a new policy establishing sport-specific eligibility criteria for transgender athletes.

These decisions, occurring a day apart, underscored the ongoing national debate over fairness, inclusion, and the future of women’s sports.

President Trump’s executive order, signed at a ceremony flanked by female athletes, declared that "women's sports will be only for women."

The order applies to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities receiving federal funding, which are subject to Title IX, the law preventing gender discrimination in education.

It also extends to sport governing bodies, foreign athletes entering the U.S., and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Federal agencies were directed to deny visas to transgender athletes seeking to compete in women’s sports in the U.S.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin praised the order, stating, "Girls deserve the opportunity to enjoy athletic competition without competing with biological men."

However, critics like Shiwali Patel of the National Women's Law Center called it a "sweeping attack" on transgender rights, arguing it weaponizes Title IX to discriminate against an already vulnerable group.

Beth Parlato of the Independent Women's Forum, which supported the ban, countered that the order sends a clear message: "It is the policy of the United States to not allow men to play in women's sports."

The NCAA’s policy change, announced hours later, took a different approach. The new guidelines align with evolving international standards, requiring transgender athletes to meet sport-specific eligibility criteria.

For sports governed by national or international federations, such as swimming and track and field, transgender athletes must adhere to those organizations’ rules. For other sports, the NCAA will establish its own criteria to ensure fairness and consistency.

NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasized the organization’s commitment to balancing inclusion with competitive equity. "This policy reflects our dedication to providing a fair and inclusive environment for all student-athletes," Baker said.

Supporters of transgender inclusion, like Patel, praised the NCAA for maintaining opportunities while addressing fairness concerns.

Critics, however, argued the policy leaves room for ambiguity. Parlato expressed concern that the sport-specific approach could still disadvantage cisgender athletes.

The executive order and NCAA policy change come amid heightened scrutiny of transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports.

High-profile cases, such as Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who won an NCAA championship in 2022, have fueled debates over physical advantages and competitive fairness.

Enforcement of Trump’s order will fall to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, which can investigate violations and withhold federal funding.

Meanwhile, the NCAA’s policy raises questions about implementation, as each division will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the new guidelines.

As the nation reflects on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, these developments highlight the challenges of balancing inclusion, fairness, and the evolving landscape of women’s sports.

While the executive order and NCAA policy take different approaches, both underscore the complexity of navigating this divisive issue in the years to come.

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cts5357@psu.edu.