Former US President Donald Trump, during his inauguration speech at the US Capitol, declared a sweeping shift in federal policies, announcing that the government will only recognize two genders, male and female, and pledging to end diversity and inclusion programs.
In his address, Trump stated, “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female,” calling the move a “revolution of common sense.”
According to an AFP report, Trump’s administration plans to issue executive orders to halt federal diversity initiatives, including those that recognize a third gender on official documents like passports. An incoming White House official confirmed that the government would enforce policies to reflect gender assigned at birth and eliminate funding for diversity training and equity-related programs.
Trump has positioned these measures as a response to what he called “woke culture,” arguing that such policies unfairly target white men and promote gender ideology. “No longer will the federal government be promoting gender ideology or socially engineering race and gender into public and private life,” Trump said.
These proposals have already sparked backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, who warn of potential harm to marginalized communities. The LGBT National Help Center reported a surge in distress calls following Trump’s election, reflecting fears over his administration’s stance on gender identity and related rights.
The new policies are expected to face significant legal challenges, particularly regarding gender-affirming care and recognition of transgender rights. Nonetheless, Trump has vowed to push forward, urging Congress to pass legislation codifying these changes into federal law.
Critics argue that the administration’s actions will further marginalize vulnerable groups, while supporters hail the move as a return to what they see as traditional values.
