• President Trump signed an executive order pressuring the IOC to enforce stricter gender participation rules in women’s sports, based on biological sex.
• The directive aims to reshape Olympic policies before the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, sparking debate over fairness and inclusion.
• Critics argue the move discriminates against transgender athletes, while supporters praise it as a step to protect women’s sports.

President Donald Trump is escalating his push to protect women’s sports by targeting transgender athletes on an international level. On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order designed to pressure the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to enforce stricter guidelines on gender participation in women’s sporting events before the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The order, which Trump declared as a victory for fairness in sports, aims to reshape Olympic standards to ensure eligibility for women’s events is based on biological sex, not gender identity or testosterone levels. This directive also calls for a review of U.S. immigration policies for male athletes seeking to compete in women’s categories.

But will the Trump administration’s efforts sway the IOC, given their history of delegating gender policies to individual sports? Let’s break down what’s at stake.

Trump Leads the Fight to “Save Women’s Sports”

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Speaking during the signing ceremony, Trump criticized current IOC policies as “absolutely ridiculous,” stating that his administration will work to overhaul Olympic eligibility rules. Trump’s plan empowers the Secretary of State to work directly with the IOC to promote fairness and safety for female athletes.

“The war on women’s sports is over,” Trump declared, adding that recent cases of transgender participants winning medals “demean” women’s achievements.

Trump’s call for action comes as debates over transgender inclusion in sports continue to dominate headlines, especially after controversies at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He consistently frames the issue as a defense of women’s rights, urging the IOC to adopt universal standards that align with his administration’s values.

IOC’s Current Stance and Transgender Athlete Policies

The IOC has largely avoided mandating specific guidelines for transgender athletes, instead leaving the decision to sport-specific governing bodies. This has resulted in a patchwork of policies. For instance, World Aquatics enforces strict testosterone limits, while World Triathlon allows broader inclusion rules.

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Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach has expressed confidence in collaborating with the U.S., but his retirement could shift the organization’s approach. Sebastian Coe, the current leader of World Athletics and a frontrunner to replace Bach, has been vocal in advocating for stricter regulations. Under Coe’s leadership, track and field banned transgender athletes from competing internationally, mirroring swimming’s policies.

As the 2028 Games draw closer, the IOC may face growing pressure from Trump and other global federations to establish consistent standards.

Can the U.S. Influence the IOC?

Trump’s executive order tasks U.S. agencies with reviewing their policies toward the IOC and other federations. Though it remains unclear what leverage the U.S. might have, hosting the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles could give officials a stronger platform to push for reforms.

Experts predict the directive could inspire other nations to rally behind a global standard restricting transgender participation in women’s sports. However, activists argue that such policies unfairly target transgender athletes and could lead to broader discrimination.

LA28 Organizing Committee’s Response

The LA28 committee, led by Casey Wasserman, has yet to release an official response to Trump’s order. However, Wasserman reportedly met with Trump in Florida last month, expressing optimism about delivering a successful event.

While the IOC remains neutral on the matter, Trump’s direct involvement may force Olympic organizers to address the controversial issue sooner rather than later.

Divided Opinions Around Transgender Athletes

Trump’s announcement reignited heated debates surrounding transgender athletes’ inclusion in sports. Critics of Trump’s approach argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and exclusionary practices. Meanwhile, supporters praise the order as a necessary step to preserve fairness in women’s competitions.

The rhetoric around this issue reached a boiling point during the 2024 Paris Olympics when allegations of transgender athletes winning gold medals sparked global media attention. Trump highlighted these incidents again on Wednesday, framing them as evidence of unfair advantages in women’s sports.

What’s Next for the Debate on Transgender Policies?

As Trump takes his fight to the international stage, the question remains whether his administration can influence the IOC’s historically hands-off approach. With the 2028 Olympics approaching and the leadership of the IOC in transition, the issue is far from settled.

The conversation around transgender athletes continues to divide the public and sports organizations worldwide. As these discussions evolve, Trump’s executive order could mark the beginning of a broader movement toward stricter gender participation rules.

What Do You Think?

We want to hear from you! Do you agree with Trump’s push for stricter standards in women’s sports? Should the IOC adopt a universal policy for transgender athletes? Join the conversation by leaving your comments below.

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