The order signed on Tuesday cuts off any federal support for such surgeries.
“Accordingly, 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 it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures,” the order stated.
Trump’s order cites the dangers of “chemical and surgical mutilation,” including the use of puberty blockers and any procedure that attempts to transform a person’s physical appearance to align with an identity that is different from his or her sex.
It states that many children don’t fully understand the consequences of their decision to undergo gender transitions.
“Countless children soon regret that they have been mutilated and begin to grasp the horrifying tragedy that they will never be able to conceive children of their own or nurture their children through breastfeeding,” the order stated.
The executive order also cites “lifelong medical expenses” from such surgeries.
Trump directed federally-run insurance programs such as TRICARE and Medicaid to exclude coverage for such “gender-affirming care,” directed the Department of Justice to pursue litigation and legislation to oppose the practice, and targeted hospitals and universities that receive federal money and provide the care.
Trump also directed the secretary of health and human services to take any regulatory actions necessary to end gender transition surgeries.
Lawmakers expressed support for Trump’s latest executive action.
Some advocacy groups have criticized the order as a “brazen attempt to put politicians in between people and their doctors.”
The order aims to reverse Biden-era policies that provided federal funding for transgender-related research and surgeries.
