Supreme Court Rules on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

President Donald Trump lauded the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding transgender athletes as a significant victory. On Thursday, the court sided with West Virginia and Idaho, ruling 6-3 against allowing transgender athletes in girls’ sports.

Commenting on the decision, Trump shared on Truth Social, “BIG WIN: The United States Supreme Court just ruled against men playing in women’s sports. This situation is now off the table.” His remarks followed his signing of an executive order that barred transgender female athletes from participating in women’s or girls’ sporting events.

As Trump marked the occasion, the Supreme Court emphasized that states should decide on the participation of trans athletes in women’s sports. Justice Sotomayor, along with Justices Kagan and Jackson, filed opinions concurring and dissenting in parts of the judgment.

The ruling aligns with Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, allowing states to maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females and set eligibility rules based on biological sex.

The states’ arguments were supported by the Alliance Defending Freedom, while trans athletes were represented by the ACLU and Cooley Legal. As of now, more than half of U.S. states are empowered to protect women’s sports without legal challenges. Nevertheless, 23 states lack such laws, and some protect trans athletes.

Trump’s executive order, signed on Feb. 5, 2025, introduced stricter measures for trans athletes and urged states to comply. However, Trump faced opposition, notably from Maine’s Governor Janet Mills, resulting in a temporary halt of federal funds to Maine, which a federal judge ordered to be released.

With the Supreme Court ruling, legally backed state measures can now prevail. Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed support. She stated, “Today’s ruling affirms states’ rights to prohibit men from competing in women’s sports and protect female spaces.” She criticized the distortion of Title IX and recognized the ruling’s significance in safeguarding women’s educational opportunities.

Surveys indicate that around 80% of Americans oppose the participation of biological males in female sports. Fox News Digital continues to provide sports coverage and updates.