U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a controversial plan to redefine federal gender policies. Trump declared that the United States would officially recognize only two genders — male and female — effectively targeting LGBTQ+ rights and reversing existing policies on gender inclusivity.

“I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life,” Trump said. “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”

Ahead of the speech, a White House official elaborated on the implications of the new policy, which includes requiring official documents, such as passports, to “reflect sex accurately.” The federal government would cease recognizing third-gender designations, such as the “X” marker that was previously allowed on some forms of identification.

“No longer will the federal government be promoting gender ideology,” the official added.

Trump announced plans to issue an executive order enforcing the recognition of only two genders. Under this order, institutions such as prisons, shelters, and similar facilities would segregate individuals based solely on their biological sex. Additionally, the order would prohibit government facilities and workplaces from requiring the use of pronouns aligned with an individual’s gender identity, claiming such mandates violate First Amendment rights of free speech and religion.

Trump also pledged to dismantle federally funded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Officials stated that monthly reviews would be conducted by relevant agencies to determine which DEI programs should be defunded or shut down entirely.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, particularly those representing transgender individuals, who see the move as an erosion of their rights and recognition. Critics argue that the policy marks a dramatic step backward for gender inclusivity in the U.S. and could lead to discrimination and harm for vulnerable populations.

Conservatives and religious groups, however, have lauded Trump’s declaration, viewing it as a restoration of traditional gender norms and freedoms of speech and religion.

The executive order, once signed, is expected to ignite intense debate and potential legal challenges as the nation grapples with the broader implications of the policy shift.