Trump Claims Credit for IOC Ban on Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports

Former US president says his executive order led to the Olympic committee's new policy.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:24am

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Former US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recent decision to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's events at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Trump said the IOC's move was only made possible by his "strong executive order protecting the rights of women and girls." However, the IOC's policy change is not retroactive and does not apply to mass or amateur sports.

Why it matters

Trump's comments highlight the ongoing debate around transgender participation in women's sports, which has become a divisive political issue in the US and other countries. The IOC's new policy aligns with a growing number of sports governing bodies that have restricted transgender athletes from competing in women's events, citing concerns about fairness and safety.

The details

The IOC announced that starting in 2028, only athletes who have confirmed their gender through genetic testing will be allowed to participate in women's competitions at the Olympic Games. The organization also clarified that this new rule is not retroactive and does not apply to mass participation or amateur sporting events.

  • In February 2026, Trump signed an executive order titled "Do not allow men in women's sports," prohibiting transgender people from participating in women's competitions in the United States.
  • On March 26, 2026, the IOC announced its new policy on transgender athletes in women's events.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who claims his executive order led to the IOC's ban on transgender athletes in women's sports.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The international governing body for the Olympic Games that announced a new policy banning transgender athletes from participating in women's events starting in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“Congratulations to the International Olympic Committee on its decision to ban men from participating in women's sports. This was only made possible by my strong executive order protecting the rights of women and girls!”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The IOC's new policy on transgender athletes will go into effect for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

The IOC's decision to ban transgender athletes from women's events at the 2028 Olympics reflects the ongoing debate over fairness and inclusion in sports. While some see it as a necessary step to protect the integrity of women's competitions, others argue it is discriminatory and undermines the rights of transgender individuals.