16 States Sue Trump Over Transgender Care Crackdown

A coalition of 16 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s executive order and Department of Justice actions targeting gender-affirming care for minors. The lawsuit alleges that the administration’s policies—including threats of prosecution and federal funding cuts to hospitals—have unlawfully intimidated healthcare providers and forced major hospitals to restrict or stop care, even where such care remains legal. State attorneys general argue that these federal measures overstep legal authority, infringe on states’ rights, and deny transgender youth medically necessary care. The Trump administration defends its actions as protecting children from irreversible interventions and has issued subpoenas to providers as part of its crackdown. The legal battle comes as 28 Republican-led states have enacted their own restrictions and the Supreme Court has recently upheld states’ rights to regulate gender-affirming care. Families and advocates warn the federal crackdown threatens transgender youths’ well-being, while administration supporters question the science and long-term effects of such care.