The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) updated its "Athlete Safety Policy" to bar transgender women from competing in women's Olympic events. This change aligns with Executive Order 14201, signed by President Donald Trump, which aims to "Keep Men Out of Women's Sports" and threatens federal funding to institutions allowing transgender athletes in women's sports. The USOPC's policy change was announced in a letter to the Olympic community, citing a federal obligation to comply. National governing bodies must also update their policies accordingly.

The decision follows a similar policy shift by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) earlier this year and has drawn criticism. The National Women’s Law Center condemned the move, stating the USOPC sacrificed athlete safety for political demands. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on the mental health of transgender athletes and the possibility of discriminatory application of genetic testing. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) currently allows individual sports federations to set their own rules regarding transgender athlete participation.

Impact Statement: This policy change will significantly impact transgender women athletes in the United States, potentially excluding them from elite competition. The decision also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender participation in sports and the intersection of federal policy and athletic governance.