President Trump has signed an executive order barring the use of federal funds for child sex-change procedures, a move he described as a necessary step to halt what he called a “dangerous trend.” The order characterizes such treatments as “chemical and surgical mutilation” and prohibits government sponsorship of these medical interventions for minors.

“It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures,” the order states.

While the directive does not extend to private medical practices, it effectively blocks hospitals, clinics, and institutions receiving federal funding—including educational grants—from performing gender-affirming procedures on minors. Additionally, federal healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, as well as government-provided insurance plans, will no longer cover these treatments. The ban also applies to TRICARE, the Department of Defense’s healthcare program, preventing it from offering sex-change services to individuals under 19.

The order defines a “child” as anyone under the age of 19 and explicitly prohibits both surgical procedures and hormone-based treatments, including “androgen blockers, estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone.”

In a sharp rebuke of medical professionals involved in these procedures, the order condemns doctors who conduct surgeries or administer hormones to minors, warning that these interventions can cause permanent infertility and ongoing medical complications.

“Countless children soon regret that they have been mutilated and begin to grasp the horrifying tragedy that they will never be able to conceive children of their own or nurture their children through breastfeeding. Moreover, these vulnerable youths’ medical bills may rise throughout their lifetimes, as they are often trapped with lifelong medical complications, a losing war with their own bodies, and, tragically, sterilization,” the order asserts.

The directive also instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to devise a strategy within 90 days to improve the well-being of minors experiencing “gender dysphoria.” Meanwhile, the Attorney General has been tasked with investigating possible consumer deception, fraud, and violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act related to gender-transition treatments. Additionally, the Attorney General is expected to work with Congress to create a legal pathway for minors harmed by these medical procedures to seek restitution.

Further, the order calls for scrutiny of state policies that remove children from parental custody if their guardians refuse to support a child’s gender transition. The administration is considering applying the Parental Kidnaping Prevention Act and constitutional protections to address such cases.

Trump had pledged this policy during his campaign, stating in an “Agenda 47” video that he would terminate all government programs advocating gender transition at any age. He also vowed to push legislation prohibiting child sex changes nationwide and to collaborate with Congress to ensure federal taxpayer funds are permanently restricted from financing these treatments.