Federal Judges Temporarily Block Trump's Gender-Affirming Care Order

Recent legal actions have halted the enforcement of President Trump's executive order aimed at limiting federal support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth under 19. U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King issued a temporary restraining order, citing the order as unconstitutional and detrimental to transgender youth's access to necessary medical treatment. This ruling came after lawsuits filed by the attorneys general of Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota, which argue that the executive order violates equal rights protections and oversteps presidential authority. A similar restraining order was issued by Judge Brendan Hurson in Baltimore, further pausing the order's enforcement as legal challenges proceed. Trump's executive order sought to defund institutions providing gender-affirming care and restrict coverage from federally run insurance programs. Critics, including state officials, have described the order as cruel and discriminatory, emphasizing its potential harmful impacts on vulnerable populations.