On January 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that prohibits federal funding for gender transition procedures for individuals under the age of 19. This latest move is a continuation of the Trump administration's efforts to roll back protections for transgender individuals across the United States. The executive order states that “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 emphasizes the enforcement of laws against what it labels as “destructive and life-altering procedures” [The Guardian].

The order specifically targets federally run insurance programs, including TRICARE for military families and Medicaid, directing them to exclude coverage for gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries. Critics argue that this order stands in stark contrast to established medical guidelines, which endorse such treatments as beneficial and medically necessary [AP News].

In the announcement, Trump expressed concerns about alleged “chemical and surgical mutilation,” claiming many children regrettably undergo procedures without understanding the consequences. This characterization has raised alarms among healthcare professionals, who argue that these treatments are currently provided under rigorous professional evaluations and are supported by numerous medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The executive order also calls for the Department of Justice to pursue legal actions against institutions that provide gender-affirming care and potentially strip custody from parents who oppose the treatment for their children. In response, advocates and civil rights groups, including the ACLU, criticize this policy as an attempt to interfere with medical decisions made between families and healthcare providers [Newsweek].

As legal challenges to this order loom, many families with transgender youth express concern about their children's access to necessary healthcare. These concerns are echoed by various studies showing that the denial of gender-affirming care can lead to increased rates of depression and suicide among transgender youths [ABC News].

This executive order follows a string of regulatory actions by the Trump administration aimed at reversing protections established during the previous administration, highlighting an ongoing cultural and political struggle regarding the rights and recognition of transgender individuals. Advocates argue that these measures represent an increasing trend of discrimination against vulnerable populations across the United States.

For further details on Trump's executive orders and their implications for transgender rights, you can read more at CBS News, AP News, and The Guardian.