Trump Bans Transgender Women from Female U.S. Prisons in New Executive Order

Executive Order Ends Gender-Related Medical Treatments for Inmates

In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order mandating that transgender women be housed in men’s prisons. The order also ends federally funded gender-transition medical treatments for transgender individuals in prison.

The new directive limits the government’s recognition of an individual’s gender to their biological sex at birth. This policy applies to all federal prisoners, including immigration detainees, and represents an extension of Trump’s prior restrictions during his earlier term in office.

Impact on Transgender Prisoners

The directive has sparked strong reactions. Advocates for transgender rights argue that housing transgender women in men’s prisons endangers their safety.

• “This policy will lead to rapes and physical assaults,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
• Critics also highlight that the order removes the discretion of prison officials to ensure the safety and security of all inmates.

Support from Women’s Rights Groups

The order has garnered support from groups advocating for single-sex spaces. The Women’s Liberation Front, which supports defining women based on biological sex, praised the move as “a major victory.”
The group has previously challenged laws in California allowing prisoners to request housing based on gender identity, arguing these policies infringe upon the constitutional rights of non-transgender female inmates.

Trump’s Statement on Women’s Safety

President Trump defended the policy in the executive order, stating:

• “Efforts to eradicate the biological reality of sex fundamentally attack women by depriving them of their dignity, safety, and well-being.”

Broader Implications

The policy, which takes effect immediately, could reshape how transgender prisoners are treated in federal facilities. Experts warn of potential legal challenges and significant safety concerns.

Keywords: transgender prisoners, Trump executive order, gender transition medical care, single-sex prisons, women’s safety, U.S. prison policy.