Trump’s Executive Order on Gender Recognition
CNN —
Reaffirming Binary Gender Classification
In a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump, the federal government will officially recognize only two sexes: male and female.
Reversal of Biden Administration Policies
This directive reverses the Biden administration’s initiatives aimed at expanding gender identity classifications, particularly in relation to passports.
Official Statement from President Trump
During his announcement, Trump asserted, “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 marks a significant step to fulfill his campaign promise related to cultural issues.
Details of the Executive Order
The order, titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” unequivocally states that sexes are immutable and based on biological reality.
Change in Terminology
The Trump administration will shift its language from “gender” to “sex,” clarifying that sex is defined as “an individual’s immutable biological classification,” according to a Trump official during the briefing.
Impact on Government Documents
The executive order requires that all official documentation—such as passports, visas, and Global Entry cards—must accurately represent the holder’s designated sex. Additionally, agencies managing facilities like federal prisons and shelters will be instructed to preserve single-sex spaces for privacy protection.
End of Gender Ideology Promotion
According to officials, federal agencies will no longer endorse gender ideology in their communications, and funding will be scrutinized to ensure that federal resources are not used to support gender ideology initiatives.
Impact on Gender Inclusivity Policies
Trump’s executive order effectively rolls back efforts made by the Biden administration to foster inclusivity regarding gender identification among Americans.
Changes to Passport Gender Markers
As a point of reference, since 2022, U.S. citizens have been allowed to select “X” as their gender marker on passports, a choice independent of matching gender on citizenship documents or photo IDs.
Department of State’s Commitment
The Department of State emphasized its commitment to promoting freedom and equality for all individuals, including those in the LGBTQI+ community, and has aimed to serve all U.S. citizens despite their gender identities.
Social Security Administration’s Policy Updates
Later in 2022, Americans gained the ability to change their gender identification with the Social Security Administration without needing medical validation. However, the records system still required a male or female designation, although updates for an “X” option were being considered.
Future Prospects for Gender Recognition
Kilolo Kijakazi, then acting commissioner of Social Security, stated their commitment to reducing administrative hurdles for gender-diverse individuals, ensuring equitable treatment in Social Security processes.
This article has been updated with further developments.
