Trump Administration Reaffirms Biological Sex Definition, Alters Policies Impacting Women and Gender Identity

Washington, D.C. – The administration of President Donald Trump has swiftly implemented a series of executive orders and policy changes since his return to office, fundamentally redefining gender in federal policy and significantly impacting women's rights, reproductive healthcare, and LGBTQI+ protections. These actions, often framed as efforts to "protect women" and restore "biological truth," have drawn both support and strong criticism from various organizations and civil rights advocates.

A central tenet of the new policy is Executive Order 14168, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," signed shortly after the President's inauguration. This order asserts that "sex" refers to an individual's immutable biological classification as either male or female, explicitly stating that it is not synonymous with "gender identity." This directive mandates federal agencies to align their policies, forms, and communications with this definition, impacting areas from healthcare to identity documents.

The administration has also moved to roll back reproductive rights, revoking Biden-era executive orders that protected access to abortion care and health data privacy. The Department of Justice has signaled a reduced enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits obstruction at reproductive health facilities. Critics argue these changes will disproportionately affect women, particularly in states with restrictive abortion laws.

Workplace protections and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal agencies have also been targeted. Executive orders have rescinded anti-discrimination protections for federal contractors and sought to dismantle DEI programs, which the administration describes as "illegal DEI." Human rights organizations and civil rights groups contend these actions undermine efforts to address historical discrimination and could lead to increased disparities for women and other marginalized groups.

Policies specifically targeting transgender individuals have been a prominent feature of the new directives. These include halting the use of federal funds for gender-affirming medical care for minors, moving transgender women in federal custody to men’s prisons, and setting the stage for a ban on transgender people in the military. The State Department has also ceased granting requests for passports with an "X" gender marker and has limited changes between "M" and "F" gender markers for transgender individuals.

These sweeping changes align with the "Project 2025" blueprint, which outlines a conservative agenda for restructuring the federal government. The administration's actions, including significant staff reductions in agencies and efforts to cut funding for programs deemed to promote "gender ideology," are seen by supporters as a return to traditional values and by opponents as a systematic erosion of civil liberties and established rights.