Federal Judge Blocks Trump Orders Targeting Transgender Youth Healthcare

The preliminary injunction halts enforcement of executive orders cutting federal funding for gender-affirming care in four states, citing constitutional violations.

U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King issued a preliminary injunction blocking two Trump executive orders targeting gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth under 19.
The orders sought to strip federal funding from institutions providing gender-affirming care and mandated recognition of only two biological sexes in federal policies.
The judge ruled that the orders violated the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection clause and Congress' authority over federal funding appropriations.
Medical professionals and state attorneys general argued that the orders endangered transgender youth, potentially increasing risks of depression and suicide by restricting access to necessary care.
The case involves four Democratic-led states—Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, and Colorado—while similar legal challenges are underway in other states.