Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump wasted no time in making bold and divisive policy declarations.
In a striking moment during his inaugural address at the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, he proclaimed,
“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders—male and female.”
This announcement marks a major shift in federal policy.
Signaling the administration’s intention to reverse protections for transgender individuals established during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
Among the expected actions is an executive order that will restrict access to medical care and participation in sports for transgender individuals, according to an incoming official.
Additionally, Trump’s administration plans to limit gender identity options on passports and visas to just male and female.
Trump’s move comes as a stark departure from the 2021 executive order issued by Biden, which protected individuals from discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights groups have expressed alarm over Trump’s intentions.
Warning of the potential rollback of hard-won protections and the harm it could inflict on transgender Americans.
“Policies like these take us back decades and threaten the dignity and rights of many in our community,” one advocacy leader said. “We will fight to ensure equality for all.”
In addition to his stance on gender identity, Trump touched on other significant policy changes during his address.
He vowed to revoke the electric vehicle mandate, a cornerstone of Biden’s environmental agenda.
Further, he floated the idea of renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America—a move that has sparked confusion and curiosity alike.
The president’s sweeping declarations have reignited cultural and political debates across the nation.
Supporters view his actions as a return to traditional values, while critics see them as an attack on personal freedoms and an effort to erode inclusivity.
As Trump’s administration begins its term, the focus will undoubtedly remain on how these bold changes play out and their impact on marginalized communities.
