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On January 20, 2025, during his first day back in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order that quickly changed policies within the federal prison system.
The directive required the Federal Bureau of Prisons to house inmates strictly according to their biological sex. This meant transgender women would be placed in men’s prisons, while transgender men would be assigned to women’s facilities. The order also blocked federal funding for gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy, for inmates.
Supporters described the move as a step toward protecting women in custody and restoring what they called “common sense.” They noted the relatively small number of transgender inmates compared to the total prison population.
Critics, however, argued the policy overlooked safety risks and medical needs. A United States Department of Justice report found transgender inmates face significantly higher rates of victimization.
Legal challenges soon followed. Judge Royce Lamberth ruled parts of the policy potentially unlawful and ordered continued medical care. The case remains ongoing and may shape future prison policies.
