The Trump administration has directed federal agencies to eliminate references to “gender ideology” from contracts, job descriptions, and social media, following an executive order recognizing only two sexes.
A memo from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management instructs agencies to acknowledge that “women are biologically female, and men are biologically male.” This move is part of Trump’s broader crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which critics say undermines LGBTQ+ rights.
Trump recently declared that federal funds would not support “gender ideology,” a term often used by conservatives to challenge non-traditional gender perspectives. Activists argue it is an anti-LGBTQ+ trope. The administration also aims to limit the impact of a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that extended civil rights protections to gender identity.
Agencies must review job descriptions and place on leave employees whose roles promote “gender ideology.” They must also remove related content from websites and social media. Additionally, gender-specific spaces must be designated strictly by biological sex.
On Tuesday, Trump halted federal funding for healthcare supporting transgender youth transitions, following his earlier ban on transgender individuals in the military. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced that 85 DEI-related contracts, worth approximately $1 billion, had been canceled. However, no detailed breakdown was provided.
Rights groups fear these actions could reverse progress on gender inclusion, while supporters argue they restore traditional definitions of sex.
Also read: Transgender Rights Groups Sue Trump Over Military Ban
