Shortly after taking office, US President Donald Trump issued executive orders reversing several key policies on gender and diversity from the Biden administration. These moves follow Trump’s campaign promises to roll back what he called “radical” and “inflationary” government practices.
One of the most significant actions was the revocation of a Biden-era directive aimed at preventing discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Trump also signed an order declaring that the US government will officially recognize only two genders—male and female—and that gender cannot be changed. “As of today, it will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders,” Trump said during his inaugural address.
Trump’s administration also targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within federal agencies. A new executive order mandates the end of funding for DEI initiatives and calls for a review of government offices that have undergone name changes linked to these programs. This move mirrors trends in the private sector, where major companies like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Meta have scaled back DEI efforts in recent years.
Proponents of DEI programs argue they are essential to addressing persistent racial, gender, and sexual discrimination, with renewed focus following the 2020 racial justice protests. Trump, however, has criticized such programs, viewing them as divisive. He also opposed policies supporting transgender athletes and medical treatments for transgender minors.
Health experts have raised concerns about the impact of rigid gender policies on individuals with diverse gender identities, citing potential harm to their mental and physical well-being. Trump’s order on gender policy may have far-reaching implications, especially as the US continues to debate the role of gender and diversity in public life.
