US Olympic Committee Adopts Trump's 'Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports' Policy

In a significant shift for American sports, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has updated its policies to align with President Donald Trump's 'Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports' executive order. The revised guidelines, effective as of July 21, 2025, point to the USOPC athlete safety policy, which references the executive order directly but lacks specific details on transgender inclusion in women's categories.

This policy pivot has sparked a ripple effect across various national governing bodies. USOPC leadership, including CEO Sarah Hirshland and President Gene Sykes, emphasized in a letter their commitment to federal expectations, urging all bodies to adapt accordingly. With the U.S. set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, the timing of these changes carries extra weight.

USA Fencing has been at the forefront of this transition, swiftly updating its transgender and non-binary participation policy in response to the USOPC's directive. Their statement underlines a commitment to fairness and respect, though it has faced intense scrutiny. The organization has been under a national spotlight since a viral incident involving fencer Stephanie Turner, who protested a trans opponent by kneeling during a competition, leading to her disqualification and widespread debate.

Other organizations like USA Gymnastics are reassessing their stance, with past policies under review amid public controversies, including a social media clash between Olympic star Simone Biles and activist Riley Gaines. Meanwhile, USA Track and Field has shifted to referencing World Athletics guidelines, moving away from the International Olympic Committee's previous, less restrictive framework.

The broader conversation around transgender athletes in women's sports continues to ignite passion and division. USA Fencing, in particular, has faced legal battles and federal hearings, with internal lawsuits and testimonies revealing deep rifts. As these policies evolve, the balance between fairness, safety, and inclusion remains a contentious tightrope for American sports.