On the day of his swearing-in as President of the United States for the second time, Donald Trump announced a controversial policy recognizing only two genders: male and female. The statement, made during his inaugural address, reflects a commitment to enshrine traditional definitions of gender into federal policy.
Trump declared:
“It will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female.”
This policy announcement, delivered immediately after assuming office, has sparked nationwide debate. Advocates of the policy argue it adheres to biological definitions and aligns with conservative values, while critics have raised concerns about its impact on transgender and non-binary individuals. Advocacy groups have expressed fears that it could reverse years of progress in ensuring protections for LGBTQ+ communities.
The policy’s potential ramifications include changes to federal identity documents, healthcare guidelines, anti-discrimination laws, and education policies. It marks a significant departure from recent administrations’ efforts to expand gender inclusivity in federal regulations.
The announcement signals that issues surrounding gender identity will take center stage in Trump’s administration, likely intensifying cultural and political debates in the United States.