Trans Rights Win Big As Judge Blocks Trump’s Gender-Affirming Care Ban
Donald Trump’s gender-affirming care ban faces another blow. Federal Judge Lauren King issued a temporary injunction against the president’s executive order, which sought to block federal funding to medical institutions providing gender-affirming care. This is the second court ruling to halt Trump’s controversial ban.
Judge King, appointed by Joe Biden, supported a lawsuit filed by Democratic attorneys general from Washington, Minnesota and Oregon. They argued that Trump overstepped his authority, infringing on both the constitutional rights of transgender people and federal spending powers. In her ruling, King made it clear: “The United States Constitution exclusively grants the power of the purse to Congress, not the President.”
King’s decision ensures that medical professionals can continue offering gender-affirming care without fearing a loss of funding, at least while legal challenges proceed.
Trump’s order, labeled as a “cruel and baseless broadside” by the attorneys general, attempted to regulate medical practices controlled by states. They also condemned it as an “official statement of bigotry” targeting transgender youth. Meanwhile, Trump’s lawyers argued that the executive order was within his authority and that no grants had yet been revoked. Despite this, some hospitals have already started denying care in fear of repercussions.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s ban has been stopped in court. Last week, U.S. District Judge Brendan Hurson also blocked the ban, declaring it unconstitutional. The ruling prohibited federal agencies from withholding funding from institutions that teach or provide gender-affirming care.
ACLU attorney Joshua Block responded to these rulings, saying, “Today’s decision should restore both their access to healthcare and protections under the Constitution.” Block added that hospitals should no longer hesitate to treat transgender patients, knowing their funding is protected.
For now, these decisions are a significant win for transgender rights, sending a strong message against discrimination. However, legal battles are far from over. The fight to protect transgender youth and their access to care continues.
