Tuberville, Risch Send Letter Urging Governors to Comply with President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Women’s Sports

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) in sending a letter urging states to adhere to President Trump's Executive Order and keep men out of women's sports. While states like Alabama have taken decisive action to protect women's sports, many governors have yet to do so, jeopardizing a fair playing field for female athletes.

"State-level action is vital to ensure America's female athletes receive the same assurance of fairness nationwide. We applaud the many states that have answered the call and taken meaningful action to support President Trump's Executive Order. These efforts demonstrate a clear commitment to fairness, safety, and the future of women's sports. However, it is imperative that every state step up to enforce these commonsense protections for female athletes," wrote the senators. "Allowing biological men to compete in women's categories directly undermines the opportunities and safety of our female athletes. We urge the states that have not yet taken action to safeguard the integrity of women's sports to take the necessary steps to align with President Trump's Executive Order immediately. The safety of women and girls in sports cannot be guaranteed as long as states continue to delay and obstruct the enforcement of this Executive Order."

Read the full letter to the National Governors Association here.

BACKGROUND:

During President Biden's administration, more than 900 women lost medals to men competing in women's sports. The issue of men in girls' and women's sports proved to be one of the top concerns of voters during the 2024 Presidential Election. A recent New York Times (NYT) poll found 79% of respondents said men should not be allowed to participate in women's sports. This is a bipartisan issue-the same recent NYT poll found that 67% of Democrats agree that male athletes shouldn't be allowed in women's sports.

In February, President Trump signed a historic Executive Order banning men from competing in women's sports. President Trump has spoken about the need to keep men out of women's sports on multiple occasions.

Unfortunately, Executive Orders can be reversed. That's why on Monday, March 3, 2025, the Senate voted on Senator Tuberville's bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would make President Trump's Executive Order permanent. 45 Democrats voted to block the bill from proceeding.

Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville also introduced a bill to ban men from competing in women's U.S. Olympic sports, following USA Boxing's announcement that it would allow men to box against women.

Senator Tuberville has vowed to continue fighting until women's rights to compete fairly and safely are protected.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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