A federal judge has temporarily blocked Trump’s executive order restricting transgender healthcare for minors, citing potential irreparable harm.
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of former President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting transgender healthcare for minors. The order, issued in January 2025, sought to prevent federal funding from being allocated to medical providers offering gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for transgender minors.
The ruling, handed down by Judge Brendan Hurson, pauses the implementation of the order for 14 days, allowing transgender minors continued access to medical treatment. Judge Hurson cited “irreparable harm” as a key factor in the decision, emphasizing that restricting gender-affirming care could have significant negative effects on transgender youth who already face disproportionate levels of mental health struggles.
The executive order had drawn immediate backlash from LGBTQ+ rights organizations, healthcare professionals, and families of transgender minors. Advocacy groups filed lawsuits arguing that the directive unfairly targeted transgender youth and violated constitutional rights. Opponents of the ban also contended that such policies interfere with medical decisions best left to families and doctors.
In contrast, the Trump administration has defended the executive order, stating that it is aimed at protecting children from what they describe as “irreversible procedures.” Supporters of the policy argue that minors should not undergo gender-affirming treatments until they reach adulthood.
The legal battle over transgender healthcare for minors is expected to continue, as the Biden administration and civil rights groups seek to challenge the order in higher courts. With this temporary block in place, the future of gender-affirming care for transgender minors remains uncertain, but advocates view this ruling as a significant step in the fight for transgender rights.