State Defies Trump’s Executive Order On Transgender Athletes In Women’s Sports

States sometimes push back when Washington issues broad mandates, and that’s exactly what’s happening now. After President Trump signed an order in early February 2025 to ban transgender women from girls’ sports, one Midwestern state decided it wouldn’t follow that directive.

Earlier this year, Trump returned to office and quickly rolled out several controversial executive orders targeting transgender people. One stopped transgender individuals from serving in the military, another stated that transgender women couldn’t be housed in women’s prisons, and a third, issued on February 5, 2025, targeted sports.

Under the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” order, transgender women would be barred from competing in female athletic events at any level. The order even urged the International Olympic Committee to overhaul its policies before the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

It granted the State Department the authority to pressure the IOC into defining eligibility by sex rather than gender identity or hormone levels. The order also demanded “immediate reinforcement” against schools and athletic groups that don’t offer single-sex sports teams or changing facilities, according to a Sky News report.

That meant any youth league, high school, or college program that allowed trans athletes to play on teams matching their gender identity could face federal consequences. But not everyone is on board.

Illinois declined to comply with the order.

In a noteworthy move, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) publicly stated it won’t comply. Illinois joined a list of Democratic-led states rejecting the ban. In an open letter to Republican lawmakers in Springfield, IHSA President Dan Tully laid out the problem: following Trump’s order could violate state law.

“The Illinois Human Rights Act requires that transgender athletes be permitted to participate in events and programs aligning with the gender they identify,” Tully wrote. He added that the IHSA had reached out to the state Attorney General and the Illinois Department of Human Rights for guidance, and that the group wants to follow the law without picking sides on which rules take precedence.

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Not everyone in the state government is pleased. State Representative Blaine Wilhour, a Republican, reacted angrily. He has called for cutting off state funding to the IHSA unless it reverses course.

On Fox News, he said, “Either you believe in fair competition or you don’t. The Democrat Party today…does not believe in fair competition. They put their woke ideology over protecting girls in sports.”

He pointed out that Illinois schools receive millions in federal dollars every year. “We don’t really relish the situation where that would be withheld. But I’ll take my chances with doing the right thing,” he told the network.

In the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes, Dr. Jennifer Finney Boylan, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and author, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in sports. She states that "banning transgender athletes from competing goes against the very spirit of sportsmanship and equality."

Boylan’s insights remind us that sports should foster a sense of community and acceptance. Moreover, she notes that implementing inclusive policies can help mitigate the negative impacts on mental health for transgender youth, as noted on her website.

Donald Trump barred transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

The IHSA doesn’t directly receive state or federal funding; its 809 member schools fund it through dues and fees. If lawmakers moved to punish the association, they’d be targeting public schools and students, too.

That would affect thousands of boys and girls who play basketball, track, soccer, and other sports under the IHSA umbrella. Illinois isn’t the only battleground. Similar conflicts have arisen wherever state law protects transgender rights.

In some places, advocacy groups have sued to block enforcement of bans, arguing that federal orders can’t override state civil rights protections. Legislators have introduced bills mirroring Trump’s ban in other cases, but those efforts often stall or face vetoes.

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Behind the headlines, the core issues are simple: schools want clear rules, athletes wish to compete, and lawmakers want to score political points. The IHSA letter makes it clear that they’re caught in the middle.

“We simply desire to comply with the law,” Tully wrote, “and take no position as to which of the foregoing is correct or whether there can be alignment between claimed federal and state law.”

For now, Illinois students and their families can breathe a little easier. Unless a court orders otherwise, trans athletes in the state will continue playing on teams that match their gender identity.

But the fight isn’t over. As federal officials consider enforcement and states draft their measures, the legal and political tug-of-war will unfold—one game at a time.

Legal experts, such as Elizabeth J. Shapiro, a civil rights attorney, argue that Trump's executive order may conflict with existing protections under the Human Rights Act. Shapiro points out that the Act was designed to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, making it crucial for states to consider the legal ramifications of compliance.

She underscores the importance of consulting with legal advisors to navigate these complex issues effectively. By fostering dialogue between lawmakers and advocacy groups, states can craft more equitable policies that respect both individual rights and community values.

Professional Assessment & Guidance

The tension between federal directives and state rights regarding transgender athletes illustrates a deeper cultural divide in the U.S. Understanding the legal and social implications of these policies is vital. Experts like Dr. Finney Boylan and Elizabeth J. Shapiro advocate for inclusive practices that uphold human rights while fostering community spirit in sports.

Moving forward, states should engage in comprehensive discussions with stakeholders, including athletes, parents, and legal experts, to develop policies that align with both federal guidelines and local values. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective and compassionate solutions.