President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order that prohibits individuals designated male at birth from participating in women’s sports events. This decision was made during a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

In an expected move, the White House encouraged sports governing bodies, including the NCAA, to modify their regulations to align with the new order. According to ABC News, institutions that fail to comply risk losing federal funds and could face legal challenges. The order also calls for substantial reforms within the International Olympic Committee, advocating for the maintenance of same-sex competition in sports.

Moreover, the order mandates private sports organizations to engage in discussions at the White House regarding the experiences of female athletes. This measure aligns with Trump’s previous directive aimed at restricting gender-affirming healthcare for under-19 individuals. Following his inauguration last month, Trump announced that the government would define citizens solely based on male or female classifications, which will be reflected on official documents like passports.

This executive action coincided with National Girls and Women in Sports Day and will influence how Title IX is interpreted, a regulation known for its role in promoting gender equity in sports and protecting against sexual harassment in educational institutions.

Previous administrations have interpreted Title IX according to their policies. The Biden administration had previously asserted that LGBTQ+ students’ rights are protected under federal law, which has led to numerous Republican states challenging their ruling in court.