Donald Trump, 47th President of the United States, soon after taking the oath of office, announced that he would soon sign an executive order ending gender diversity, proclaiming that the American federal government will only recognise two sexes — male and female.
“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders – male and female,” Trump said.
Transgender rights have become a contentious political topic in the United States in recent years. In the last election campaign, many Republicans batted on reversing transgender laws with a particular focus on transgender women participating in sports.
During a pre-inauguration rally a day ahead of taking the oath as US President, Donald Trump said that he will take action to “keep all men out of women’s sports”. He’s also pledged to restrict gender-affirming care.
An official of Trump’s upcoming administration told news agency Reuters that more actions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs were expected “very soon”.
As part of the executive orders, federal funds will not be used to promote “gender ideology”, the official said.
Trump’s recent remark on gender diversity aligns with his previous actions.
In his first term as US President, Donald Trump declared a ban on transgender troops serving in the military and halted the recruitment of transgender personnel. However, the policy was reversed by Joe Biden after he took office in 2021.
Once the executive orders are signed, reports suggest that government identification papers, like passports, will only have the option to select gender on the basis of biological reality and not self-assessed gender identity.
Experts believe that Trump’s decision would attract backlash from civil and human rights advocates, who argue that slashing diversity, equity and inclusion programs would undermine longstanding efforts to promote equitable policies.
Of late, many corporations have distanced themselves from DEI measures, with some rolling back initiatives and programs in recent weeks. However, companies such as Apple and Costo, have remained resolute in maintaining their commitment towards gender diversity.
- Agencies