BALTIMORE — On Thursday, a U.S. District Court judge in Maryland ruled to halt the effects of President Trump's executive order, which sought to restrict gender-affirming care for Americans under 19.
BREAKING: MD judge rules to halt effects of President Trump’s Executive Order which restricts gender affirming care for Americans under 19. @WMAR2News
— Jack Watson (@JackWatsonTV) February 13, 2025
Trump signed the order on January 28, aiming to cut federal support for youth gender transitions.
“It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called 'transition' of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures,” Trump said in a statement.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the order directs that federally-run insurance programs, including TRICARE for military families and Medicaid, exclude coverage for such care and calls on the Department of Justice to vigorously pursue litigation and legislation to oppose the practice.
RELATED: Trump order aims to end federal support for gender transitions for those under 19
Medicaid programs in some states cover gender-affirming care. The new order suggests that practice could end and target hospitals and universities that receive federal money and provide the care.
Pro-trans advocates rallied Thursday outside of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in Baltimore to challenge Trump's orders.
"Folks really don't want to be targeted," said Lee Blinder, executive director of Trans Maryland, "they don't want to experience this from their government, our government is not target their citizens, people are really really feeling that, families of trans people loved ones of trans people.
"It's having a huge impact, but this community has always looked out for one another," Blinder added.
Trans advocate’s rally outside district Court challenging President Trump‘s gender affirming care executive order .@JackWatsonTV has the details tonight pic.twitter.com/T9pMwxWHpu
— manny locke (@realmannynation) February 13, 2025
Advocates packed the courtroom, with very few seats available. After roughly two hours of arguments, Judge Brendan Hurson granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to a team of plaintiffs which included the ACLU and PFLAG.
The halt would last for fourteen days, Judge Hurson told the courtroom.
Pro-trans advocates in Baltimore speak out against executive orders
