US Olympic Committee Updates Policy to Ban Men from Women’s Sports, Citing Trump Executive Order
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has revised its Athlete Safety Policy to prohibit men from competing in women’s sports categories, aligning with a recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump.
The policy change, implemented quietly on Monday, emphasizes the committee’s commitment to ensuring “fair and safe competition environments” for women, in accordance with Executive Order 14201 and the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. The 27-page document does not explicitly reference transgender athletes but confirms the ban following discussions with federal officials.
Executive Order 14201, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” was signed by Trump on February 5, 2025. It directs federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding to enforce sex-based distinctions in sports to protect female athletes. The USOPC stated it engaged in “a series of respectful and constructive conversations with federal officials” post-order to facilitate compliance.
“We will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders with oversight responsibilities … to ensure that women have a fair and safe competition environment,” the updated policy reads, as reported by NBC News and The New York Times.
While the decision applies to U.S. teams, it does not extend to international competitors. The USOPC indicated it plans to engage with global bodies, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to advocate for similar standards worldwide. The next major events include the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which will occur during Trump’s administration.
The policy shift comes amid ongoing debates over gender eligibility in sports. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who had previously failed gender eligibility tests, won gold in the women’s welterweight division, sparking international controversy. In the 2021 Tokyo Games, New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard became the first openly transgender athlete to compete in women’s weightlifting, though she did not medal. Additionally, Chelsea Wolfe served as a reserve for the U.S. women’s BMX freestyle cycling team in Tokyo.
Public opinion on the issue appears largely supportive of restrictions. A recent NBC News poll found that 75% of Americans oppose allowing transgender men to compete in women’s sports, with two-thirds of Generation Z respondents agreeing that women’s categories should be protected.
The USOPC’s move reflects broader efforts by the Trump administration to address what it describes as inequities in athletics. Critics argue the policy could limit opportunities for transgender athletes, while supporters view it as essential for maintaining competitive fairness.
Representatives for the USOPC and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. The full updated policy is available on the committee’s website.
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