Trump signs executive orders cutting funding for child gender transitions, ridding US military of ‘transgender ideology’

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at cutting federal support for gender transitions for people under age 19 and another ridding the military of what he calls “transgender ideology,” in his latest moves to roll back protections for transgender people across the country.

“It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures,” the first order says.

It directs that federally-run insurance programs, including TRICARE for military families and Medicaid, exclude coverage for such care and calls on the Department of Justice to vigorously pursue litigation and legislation to oppose the practice.

The language in the executive order — using words such as “maiming,” “sterilizing” and “mutilation” — contradicts what is typical for gender-affirming care in the United States. It also labels guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health as “junk science.”

On his Truth Social platform, Trump calls gender-affirming care “barbaric medical procedures.”

On the executive order relating to the military, the US president tells a Republican congressional retreat in Miami, “To ensure that we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military.”

Trump has previously promised to bring back a ban on transgender troops and demonized any recognition of gender diversity.