USOPC Bars Trans Women From Women’s Sports

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has updated its athlete safety policy to comply with a Trump administration executive order, effectively barring transgender women from competing in women’s sports. The policy, confirmed in letters to all national sport governing bodies, requires strict alignment with the new rules or risk loss of federal funding. While referencing the executive order, the USOPC's policy language remains vague and avoids directly mentioning transgender athletes, emphasizing fair and safe competition for women. The change follows similar moves by the NCAA and comes amid criticism from advocacy groups like the National Women’s Law Center, who argue the policy is discriminatory and politically motivated. The executive order also directs the State Department to promote similar standards internationally. This development is part of a broader trend, as over two dozen states have enacted similar bans, many of which face legal challenges.