All the anti-LGBTQ+ Executive Orders signed by Trump so far

Since returning to office in 2025, Donald Trump has signed several executive orders that directly target the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender individuals. These policies have rolled back protections, limited access to healthcare, and reinforced discrimination in areas like sports, education, and military service. Heres what you need to know about the most impactful orders and how they affect LGBTQ+ people across the country.

1. The Federal Definition of Gender Restriction

One of Trumps first actions was to redefine gender in federal policies strictly as male or female based on birth-assigned sex. This order eliminated recognition of non-binary, genderfluid, and transgender identities in all federal documents, such as passports, social security records, and official forms. The move effectively erases legal protections for transgender individuals in multiple aspects of life, including employment and housing rights.

2. The Ban on Transgender Healthcare Access

A significant blow to the community came in the form of an executive order restricting federal funding for gender-affirming healthcare. This order prevents government-funded healthcare programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and military insurance from covering hormone therapy, surgeries, or any transition-related medical care. Many LGBTQ+ advocacy groups fear this will lead to a rise in healthcare discrimination, making it even harder for transgender individuals to access essential medical treatment.

3. Transgender Military Ban Reinstated

Trump has once again banned openly transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military. The order claims that being transgender is incompatible with military readiness, barring both new enlistments and existing transgender service members from continuing their careers. This policy forces transgender individuals to either suppress their identity or leave military service altogether, undoing the progress made under previous administrations.

4. Restrictions on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education

A new executive order targets LGBTQ+ youth in schools, prohibiting federally funded institutions from teaching LGBTQ+ history, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Schools that include these topics in their curricula risk losing federal funding. Additionally, guidance protecting transgender students rightssuch as using restrooms aligned with their gender identityhas been revoked. This order reinforces discrimination in education, making schools less safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ youth.

5. The Ban on Transgender Athletes in Womens Sports

Another order prohibits transgender women and girls from competing in womens sports at federally funded schools and universities. This order enforces strict biological sex classifications and allows state and national athletic associations to deny transgender athletes participation based on birth-assigned sex. The decision ignores expert-backed policies that support the inclusion of transgender athletes and has sparked concerns about further isolation and discrimination.

6. The Removal of LGBTQ+ Protections in Workplaces

In another rollback of protections, Trumps administration has issued an executive order allowing businesses with religious affiliations to deny services or employment to LGBTQ+ individuals on the grounds of “religious freedom.” This order weakens workplace discrimination protections, making it easier for companies and organizations to refuse to hire, serve, or accommodate LGBTQ+ people based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

7. The Termination of Federal Diversity and Inclusion Programs

All federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have been disbanded under a new executive order. This move removes LGBTQ+ workplace protections in federal agencies and eliminates funding for initiatives meant to support marginalized groups, further marginalizing LGBTQ+ employees within the federal workforce.

What This Means for the LGBTQ+ Community

These executive orders signal a significant shift backward in LGBTQ+ rights. By stripping protections and legal recognition, they create an environment where discrimination is more acceptable and legal barriers to equality are reinforced. Transgender individuals, in particular, face heightened challenges in accessing healthcare, employment, education, and basic legal recognition.