Donald Trump signed an executive order titled ‘Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government’ shortly after returning to office.

The order asserts that there are only two genders, male and female, and that these are biologically fixed.

As a result, passport applications with an ‘X’ gender marker,

introduced under the Biden administration for non-binary individuals, have been suspended.

The policy may also affect non-binary and intersex Americans, although those with ‘X’ passports may still use them temporarily.

Additionally, the order mandates that transgender women be excluded from female prisons, citing concerns over safety and privacy.

The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some advocating for the change, while others

warn it could lead to increased harm to transgender prisoners.

The administration’s approach to these issues has stirred significant controversy, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

In a significant move shortly after returning to office, former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order titled ‘Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.’ The order, which centers on gender identity, asserts a firm stance that there are only two genders: male and female, and that these identities are biologically fixed.

One of the most immediate impacts of the executive order is the suspension of the ‘X’ gender marker on passport applications. This marker, introduced during the Biden administration, was aimed at providing a more inclusive option for non-binary individuals. Under Trump’s new directive, this option will no longer be available, although those who already hold passports with the ‘X’ gender marker will be allowed to use them temporarily.

The order also takes aim at the inclusion of transgender women in female prisons, directing that transgender women be excluded from facilities designated for women. The justification cited in the order is the preservation of safety and privacy for female inmates.

While this is seen as a victory by some who advocate for the policy, critics have raised concerns that it could lead to increased harm and marginalization of transgender prisoners, particularly in facilities that may not have adequate resources to house them safely.

The administration’s shift in policy has sparked heated debates, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Proponents of the executive order argue that it reaffirms traditional values and protects biological sex distinctions, while opponents warn that the measures could exacerbate discrimination and further isolate already vulnerable populations, including non-binary, intersex, and transgender individuals.

This latest executive action marks a continuation of Trump’s broader push to roll back policies introduced under the Biden administration related to gender and sexual identity. The full impact of these changes remains to be seen, as both lawmakers and advocacy groups prepare for what could be a protracted legal and political battle over the future of gender identity policy in the U.S.