Donald Trump says US will only recognize two genders

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating that the U.S. federal government recognize only two genders: male and female.

This policy shift reverses previous federal acknowledgments of a broader spectrum of gender identities.

The executive order, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” directs all federal agencies to define gender strictly based on biological sex assigned at birth.

CNN reported, this change impacts various federal policies, including the issuance of passports, where non-binary and ‘X’ gender markers will no longer be recognized.

In conjunction with this order, President Trump also signed directives to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies.

He emphasized a return to merit-based practices, stating that these initiatives had deviated from their original intent.

These actions have sparked significant backlash from civil rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Critics argue that the new policies undermine the rights and recognition of transgender and non-binary individuals, potentially leading to increased discrimination.

Legal experts anticipate challenges to the executive order, citing concerns over its alignment with existing civil rights protections.

The administration’s stance marks a notable departure from prior policies that recognized a spectrum of gender identities, reflecting ongoing debates over gender recognition and rights in the United States.

Donald Trump says US will only recognize two genders