President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his pledge to prevent transgender women from competing in women’s sports, stating that he will take action to “keep men out of women’s sports” once he assumes office.
Speaking at a campaign-style rally in Washington on Sunday, Trump addressed supporters ahead of his inauguration, reaffirming his commitment to policies that have become central to his political platform.
The issue of transgender participation in sports has been a highly divisive topic in recent years, with Republican lawmakers across the United States making it a focal point during the November elections. Trump had previously vowed to introduce measures restricting gender-affirming care and prohibiting transgender women from competing in female categories in schools and professional sports.
During his speech, Trump accused his political opponents of undermining fairness in women’s sports and vowed to implement policies that he claims would protect female athletes.
“This is about fairness and protecting opportunities for women and girls in sport,” he told the crowd.
Critics, however, argue that such policies would violate the rights of transgender individuals and are part of a broader effort to roll back protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Advocacy groups have condemned the rhetoric, stating that it fuels discrimination and ignores the complexities of gender identity in sports.
Democrats and civil rights organisations have vowed to challenge any new legislation on the issue, citing concerns over inclusion and equality. The Biden administration had previously supported policies that allow transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity, arguing that discrimination has no place in sports.
Trump’s comments come as he prepares to take office for a second term, with his administration expected to prioritise issues that resonate with his conservative base, including immigration, economic policies, and social issues such as transgender rights.
His rally in Washington, held just a day before his inauguration, drew thousands of supporters who cheered his promises to enact swift changes in key areas of governance.
As the debate over transgender participation in sports continues, it remains to be seen how Trump’s proposed policies will unfold and whether they will face legal challenges in the courts.
