On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting federal aid for gender-affirming medical care for individuals under 19. This includes the elimination of federal funding for puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-transition surgeries. The executive order marks another significant move in his second term as he seeks to reshape policies surrounding transgender issues.
The president’s latest action comes as part of a broader initiative to refocus the country’s institutions, including the military and public schools, on what he describes as “traditional values.” His speech at a Republican conference in Doral earlier this week made clear that his administration intends to remove transgender ideology from major institutions, with schools being a primary area of concern.
Beyond the direct implications for healthcare access, this order has sparked renewed discussions on the role of education in shaping the minds of the next generation. Advocates of this measure argue that by eliminating the focus on gender identity in schools, educators and students can return to what they believe should be the core mission of education: teaching traditional school subjects such as math, science, literature, and history.
Education, Not Ideology
One of the primary arguments in favor of Trump’s executive order is that it allows schools to shift away from politically charged discussions on gender and sexuality and instead refocus on academic excellence. In recent years, debates over gender identity and transgender inclusion in schools have led to significant divisions, with some parents and educators arguing that these topics have distracted from essential learning.
Critics of gender-affirming education programs say that an increased emphasis on gender ideology has taken time and resources away from core subjects. For instance, some school districts have integrated lessons on gender identity into their curriculum, sparking backlash from parents who believe that schools should prioritize fundamental academic skills over social issues.
By enforcing policies that recognize only two genders and cutting funding for programs that support gender transitions for minors, Trump’s administration aims to bring what it calls a “back-to-basics” approach to public education. Supporters believe that removing discussions of gender ideology from classrooms will free up time for more traditional subjects and ensure that students are better prepared for college and the workforce.
The Impact on School Policies
The executive order will likely have a ripple effect across public school systems. Federal funding for programs that involve gender-affirming care may be reallocated, and schools that previously incorporated gender discussions into their curricula may need to shift their focus to avoid conflicts with federal policy.
Additionally, guidance on pronoun usage, gender-neutral restrooms, and sports team participation may also be revised in response to the administration’s stance. Many schools have implemented policies that accommodate transgender students, but this executive order suggests that such policies could face new legal challenges or restrictions.
For teachers, this shift means a potential change in classroom dynamics. Rather than navigating politically charged discussions about gender, educators may find themselves refocusing on their core subjects. Some argue that this will improve overall learning outcomes by allowing teachers to dedicate more time to math, science, and literacy—areas where U.S. students have struggled in international rankings.
Addressing the Decline in Academic Performance
In recent years, reports have shown that U.S. students are falling behind in key academic areas compared to their international peers. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), reading and math scores have declined across several grade levels, particularly following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some conservative education advocates argue that part of the issue stems from an increasing focus on social issues within schools rather than core academics. They contend that by steering resources back toward subjects like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), history, and writing, students will be better equipped to compete in the global job market.
With the U.S. facing an ever-growing demand for highly skilled workers in technology, healthcare, and engineering, many believe that shifting attention away from gender-related discussions and back to academics will help prepare students for real-world challenges. The argument is that a renewed focus on math, science, and reading comprehension will produce a workforce capable of innovation and economic leadership.
Conclusion
President Trump’s executive order represents a major shift in federal policy regarding gender-affirming care for minors. While its primary impact is on healthcare funding, it also signals a broader change in the administration’s approach to education. By cutting funding for gender-related programs, Trump’s policy seeks to redirect focus toward traditional academic subjects and away from gender debates in schools.
The long-term effects of this decision remain to be seen. Will a renewed emphasis on math, science, and literacy improve student performance? Or will the removal of gender-affirming support lead to a new wave of mental health challenges for transgender youth? These questions will likely continue to shape national debates in the months and years to come.
As the Trump administration continues its efforts to reshape education, the challenge will be balancing the desire for academic rigor with the needs of all students. Whether this executive order achieves its intended goals or leads to greater division remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear—education in America is once again at the center of a heated national conversation.