First Lady Melania Trump on June 30, 2026, publicly supported the ban on transgender athletes participating in sports categories different from their sex assigned at birth. She emphasized that it is possible to uphold this ban while also supporting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

"America, we can support the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and also protect opportunities for female athletes. Both ideals are essential," Trump said in a post on the social platform X.

Her comments followed a 6-3 Supreme Court decision that upheld state bans in Idaho and West Virginia preventing transgender girls from competing on girls' and women's school sports teams. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, rejected claims that such restrictions constitute unconstitutional discrimination based on sex or gender identity. He stated, "In other words, may schools determine eligibility for women’s and girls’ sports based on biological sex? The answer is yes. Consistent with Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, we hold that the States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females. The Constitution and Title IX do not require an overhaul of women’s and girls’ sports throughout America."

This ruling comes amid increased efforts by conservative groups to restrict transgender individuals' access to gender-affirming care and participation in sports aligned with their gender identity.

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