President Donald Trump’s recent executive order banning biological males from competing in women’s sports has ignited a political firestorm. Critics, primarily from the left, have labeled the move as an “attack” on transgender rights.
However, Trump’s supporters see it as a long-overdue correction to policies implemented during President Joe Biden’s administration—policies they argue went too far in reshaping cultural norms and American institutions.
But beyond the debates surrounding transgender athletes, Trump’s actions reflect a broader pattern: undoing what conservatives view as the overreach of Democratic executive orders that defined Biden’s presidency.
Trump’s Executive Order: Popular Among Americans
The executive order, signed on Wednesday, is aimed at ensuring that only biological females can participate in women’s sports at educational institutions. The policy has received widespread support, with a CNN segment noting that 79% of Americans — including 67% of Democrats — approve of the move.
Political commentator Harry Enten described it as likely “the most popular thing Trump has ever done.” The overwhelming approval highlights how deeply Americans value the integrity of women’s sports, an issue that has gained national attention as more transgender athletes have entered competitions.
For many, this is not about exclusion but about fairness—a sentiment that Trump has effectively tapped into.
The Backlash from Democrats
Unsurprisingly, the backlash was swift. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson called Trump’s order “unlawful and cruel,” while NPR framed it as an effort to “curb transgender rights.” Critics argue that the executive order marginalizes transgender youth and violates civil rights protections.
But conservatives see the criticism as part of a broader pattern: painting any attempt to preserve traditional norms as an attack on marginalized groups. Trump supporters contend that the real aggressors in the culture war are not conservatives, but Democrats who have pushed radical changes under the guise of progress.
Biden’s Policies: The Catalyst for Trump’s Actions
Trump’s executive order directly responds to Biden’s policies, particularly his early executive actions related to transgender rights. On his first day in office, Biden signed an order ensuring that transgender students could access bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams that align with their gender identity.
For conservatives, this policy disregarded the rights of biological females and “redefined human biology,” according to critics like Stegling. It created widespread concerns about privacy and fairness, which eventually led to Trump’s decisive action.
Biden’s policies extended beyond transgender rights. His administration embraced initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the federal government and supported gender-affirming care for minors, including access to puberty blockers and hormone treatments.
Trump’s response has been to systematically roll back these policies, framing them as harmful overreach. His order limiting transgender participation in sports is just the latest in a series of moves aimed at reversing Biden’s legacy.
Trump’s Broader Rollback of Biden-Era Policies
1. Military Vaccine Mandate Reversal
One of Trump’s early moves after returning to office was to rescind Biden’s vaccine mandate for service members. The mandate, which required all members of the military to be vaccinated against COVID-19, led to the discharge of thousands of unvaccinated troops. Trump’s decision to reinstate those service members was celebrated by his base as a victory for personal freedom and military readiness.
2. DEI Programs and Government Overhaul
Trump has also targeted Biden’s DEI initiatives, which sought to integrate diversity training and equity policies across federal agencies. Critics argue that these programs have created division and fostered a “culture of victimhood.” By shutting down DEI programs, Trump is aiming to restore a focus on merit and individual achievement.
3. Environmental Regulations
Trump’s administration has also been rolling back environmental orders signed by Biden, including restrictions on oil and gas development along U.S. coastlines. By promoting domestic energy production, Trump’s team argues that Biden’s environmental policies stifled economic growth and energy independence.
The Left’s Response: Accusations of Aggression and Overreach
Democrats have framed Trump’s actions as part of a broader attack on progressive values, with critics describing them as “unprovoked attacks” on vulnerable communities. However, conservatives push back, saying that Trump’s actions are defensive rather than aggressive—they’re meant to “restore sanity” after what they perceive as radical changes under Biden’s leadership.
For example, Democrats claimed that Trump’s environmental deregulation would harm the planet and that his rollback of DEI initiatives signals a disregard for marginalized groups. But conservatives argue that these narratives are exaggerated and meant to silence dissent.
Why Trump’s Actions Resonate with Voters
The key to Trump’s popularity lies not in the specifics of every policy but in the overarching narrative: he is “remedying the damage” caused by Democratic overreach. Americans who feel alienated by the rapid pace of social change under Biden see Trump as a stabilizing force.
Issues like women’s sports, energy independence, and military mandates resonate because they touch on core values of fairness, freedom, and national identity. Trump’s ability to position himself as a defender of these values has been crucial to his political success.
The Democratic Strategy: A History of Executive Overreach?
Conservatives argue that Democrats have long relied on executive orders and judicial rulings to push their agenda, bypassing Congress and, by extension, the will of the American people. They point to landmark actions like Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as examples of executive overreach.
In contrast, they see Trump’s executive actions as a corrective measure, not an overreach. Instead of imposing new policies, Trump is rolling back what they view as harmful decisions imposed unilaterally by his predecessors.
For decades, progressives framed themselves as defenders of democracy and civil rights, often painting conservatives as aggressors. But Trump’s presidency, and his current wave of executive actions, have shifted that narrative.
Americans are now questioning whether the left’s policies have gone too far, and whether Trump’s actions are simply a defense against radical changes. With strong public support behind issues like protecting women’s sports, Trump’s approach may continue to resonate as he seeks to redefine the political landscape.
