US President Donald Trump has initiated a sweeping overhaul of federal policies concerning gender and diversity. Through a series of executive orders, the administration has established Project 47, a policy platform aimed at curbing what it terms "radical gender ideology" by cutting federal funding. This move aligns with Trump's wider promises to dismantle what conservatives criticize as "woke" culture, impacting programmes related to diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI).
In a significant order, Trump declared that the United States government will officially recognize only two genders, male and female, which he stated cannot be changed.
"As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female." – Donald Trump
The implications of this policy could be profound, as it challenges existing protocols and societal norms regarding gender identity.
Additionally, Trump rescinded two executive orders from the Biden administration. One of these orders sought to prevent discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. An administration official noted that the changes aim to
"end DEI inside the federal government,"
thereby reducing funding for DEI programmes across various agencies. This shift reflects a broader effort to reverse what the Trump White House described as
"unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices within every agency and office of the Federal Government."
The impact of these changes extends beyond government agencies. Several major US corporations, including McDonald's, Walmart, and Facebook parent company Meta, have already ended or scaled back their DEI initiatives since Trump's election. This trend may continue as corporate entities adjust to the administration's stance on these issues.
The Trump administration's actions come in the wake of a 2023 US Supreme Court ruling that banned universities from considering an applicant's race during admissions. Critics argue that such measures could hinder efforts to address lingering discrimination based on race and gender identity. Supporters of DEI programmes view them as essential for correcting historical injustices related to race, sexuality, and other characteristics.
Health experts have raised concerns about the potential consequences of limiting gender identity. The World Health Organisation cautions that rigid gender norms can result in violence, stigma, and discrimination against individuals with diverse gender identities, particularly in healthcare settings.
"Rigid gender norms also negatively affect people with diverse gender identities, who often face violence, stigma and discrimination as a result, including in healthcare settings." – World Health Organisation
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