2028 Olympics warning: Trump demands IOC overhaul transgender policies

World news: President Donald Trump signed a controversial executive order on Wednesday, barring transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports. Titled the “Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports” order, the directive mandates that federal agencies enforce Title IX based on an individual’s gender assigned at birth.

"The war on women’s sports is over"

At a signing ceremony in the White House’s East Room, Trump declared, “With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over.” The event was attended by lawmakers and female athletes, including former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, who has been an outspoken advocate for restricting transgender participation in women’s sports.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the order, stating it “honors the promise of Title IX” and ensures the immediate enforcement of protections for female athletes. The directive, issued on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, is part of a series of actions by the Trump administration aimed at limiting transgender rights.

Public support for restricting transgender athletes

Trump’s stance on transgender athletes gained traction during his campaign, resonating across party lines. According to a VoteCast survey, over half of respondents believed support for transgender rights had gone too far. In the lead-up to the election, Trump repeatedly vowed to end what he called “transgender insanity,” though his campaign initially provided few policy specifics.

The executive order clarifies those plans, granting the Department of Education authority to penalize schools that permit transgender athletes in women's sports. Institutions that fail to comply with the policy risk losing federal funding.

Enforcement becomes a federal priority

Following Trump’s directive, the Office for Civil Rights prioritizes investigating schools and athletic organizations that do not comply. Internal sources report that the acting director has urged staff to align their enforcement efforts with the administration’s priorities, signaling strict action against non-compliant institutions.

Trump’s warning to the International Olympic Committee

Trump’s policy also extends to international sports. Ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, he issued a stark warning to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been tasked with delivering a message to the IOC: “America categorically rejects transgender lunacy.” Trump further demanded that the committee revise its policies, stating, “We want them to change everything related to the Olympics concerning this absolutely ridiculous issue.”