SEATTLE — In a significant legal development, a second federal judge has paused President Trump’s executive order that halts federal support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The ruling was made on Friday.
U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King issued a temporary restraining order, following a lawsuit filed by the Democratic attorneys general of Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota against the Trump administration. Additionally, three doctors joined the lawsuit in the Western District of Washington.
This decision comes just a day after a federal judge in Baltimore issued a similar temporary restraining order in a separate case involving families with transgender or nonbinary children. Judge Brendan Hurson’s order, which lasts for 14 days and could potentially be extended, effectively puts the executive order on hold while legal proceedings continue.
President Trump enacted this executive order last month, aiming to eliminate federal funding for institutions that provide gender-affirming care and directing federally-run insurance programs, including Medicaid and TRICARE, to exclude such coverage. The order also instructs the Department of Justice to actively pursue litigation and legislation to support it.
Some Medicaid programs continue to cover gender-affirming care in various states. However, Trump’s order suggests a potential end to these practices, targeting facilities that receive federal funding.
The attorneys general’s complaint contends that the executive order is a violation of equal rights protections, as well as states’ rights to regulate matters not expressly delegated to the federal government.
Government attorneys defending the order countered these claims in court filings, asserting that “The President’s authority to direct subordinate agencies to implement his agenda… is well established.”
Following the hearing, a large crowd gathered outside the federal courthouse to express their views, with many holding signs reading “Protect Trans Kids” alongside Pride flags displaying the message, “You are loved.”
“We had over 100 declarants submit their personal stories about the impact of this illegal and unconstitutional order, and their bravery allowed for justice to be done today,” stated Washington Attorney General Nick Brown.
Brown highlighted that this temporary restraining order is merely the initial step in an ongoing legal struggle. He expressed hope that this ruling would reassure healthcare providers in the state to continue offering gender-affirming care.
In a statement, third-year medical student Natalie Koconis, who participated in the demonstration, expressed relief at the ruling, emphasizing that Trump’s executive order has already affected their ability to treat transgender youth effectively. “All we want is for everyone to receive the care they need and deserve,” she stated.
In addition to health care access, Trump’s recent directives include efforts to restrict the rights of transgender individuals in the military, alter educational approaches to gender, and exclude transgender athletes from women’s sports.
As various legal challenges unfold, including those concerning military policy and the recognition of gender identity, other lawsuits are anticipated. Notably, at least 26 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for minors, with the U.S. Supreme Court yet to decide on the constitutionality of Tennessee’s ban on such care.
