A federal judge in Seattle extended the stay on President Donald Trump’s plan to withdraw federal funds from institutions that provide gender-affirming care to transgender youth.
The initial two-week restraining order issued by U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King in response to a lawsuit filed by the Democratic attorneys general of Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota was extended with a preliminary injunction.
The bigger picture: The judge questioned the legitimacy and scope of two executive orders issued by Trump, one targeting federal funds for programs promoting “gender ideology” and the other cutting off grants for institutions that provide gender-affirming care to people under 19.
- The judge highlighted concerns that the executive order’s terminology, using terms like “maiming” and “mutilation,” misrepresented the widely endorsed gender-affirming care recommended by the medical community, including respected organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- She emphasized that the orders were not limited to children or irreversible treatments, potentially preventing necessary medical interventions for transgender youth even unrelated to gender identity.
The judge questioned the Justice Department about the legality of Trump’s orders as well as the legitimacy of gender dysphoria, a medically recognized diagnosis that the administration appeared hesitant to acknowledge.
- Arguments presented by the Democratic attorneys general focused on violations of equal rights protections, the separation of powers, and the states’ rights to regulate non-federally delegated issues in challenging Trump’s orders.
Aside from healthcare access issues, Trump’s administration issued orders regarding transgender military service, gender education in schools, and transgender athletes’ participation in sports, resulting in a number of legal challenges across the country.
