Donald Trump’s return to the White House has already sent shockwaves across the country, with sweeping executive orders that are shaking up federal policies. Among the most controversial is a new directive that directly impacts U.S. passports, causing immediate suspensions and policy reversals.
In his first hours back in office, Trump wasted no time signing over 20 executive orders, making it clear that his administration is taking a hard stance on key social and governmental issues. One of the most talked-about policies is the “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” order—an action that has already led to the freezing of certain passport applications.
So, what does this mean for American citizens? Let’s break it down.
Trump’s Executive Order: What It Means for U.S. Passports
The executive order asserts that the U.S. government will officially recognize only two sexes: male and female. As part of this policy, all federal documentation—including passports—must reflect an individual’s biological sex at birth rather than self-identified gender.
The order explicitly states:
“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”
This decision has immediate implications for the way gender is listed on official government documents, with a particular focus on passports.
Passport Applications Suspended—Who Is Affected?
As a result of Trump’s directive, the U.S. State Department has suspended all applications requesting an ‘X’ gender marker on passports. The change has also halted any pending requests for gender identity modifications on existing passports.
The directive, issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ensures that all future passports must align with the newly enforced biological classification policy.
According to an internal memo leaked to The Guardian:
- All applications for passports with a non-binary (‘X’) gender marker are frozen.
- Passport holders with an ‘X’ marker will retain valid documentation, but renewal procedures remain under review.
- Federal agencies must align all official documents with the biological sex classification policy.
State Department Takes Swift Action
The State Department is moving quickly to comply with Trump’s new directive. Internal emails confirm that personnel have been ordered to process documentation using biological sex only—eliminating any consideration of gender identity.
Rubio emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating:
“The policy of the United States is that an individual’s sex is not changeable. As such, all official documentation, including passports, will reflect biological sex.”
This means that individuals who had previously been able to select an ‘X’ marker will now face challenges when applying for or renewing their passports.
What Happens to Existing Passports with ‘X’ Gender Markers?
For those who already have a passport with an ‘X’ gender marker, there is no immediate cancellation—but future renewals remain uncertain.
The White House has confirmed that:
- Previously issued passports with an ‘X’ will remain valid until they expire.
- The process for renewing these passports is still under review.
- The government will release further guidance regarding existing non-binary documentation.
While the policy does not immediately revoke passports that feature an ‘X’, the lack of clarity on renewal procedures suggests that major hurdles could be ahead for non-binary travelers.
The End of Non-Binary Passports: A Stark Policy Reversal
This marks a dramatic shift from the policies established under the Biden administration.
Under Biden, the first-ever non-binary passport was issued in April 2022 to provide inclusivity for non-binary, intersex, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken championed the move as a step forward for LGBTQ+ rights.
Now, Trump’s administration has completely reversed that progress. His directive ensures that non-binary gender markers will no longer be recognized at the federal level, aligning with his broader push to eliminate gender ideology from government policies.
Other Immediate Policy Changes Under Trump’s Administration
The passport suspension is just one of many policy shifts Trump has implemented since his return to office. Within hours of taking the oath, he signed a series of executive orders aimed at restructuring federal institutions and reversing Biden-era policies.
Some of the most notable actions include:
- Pardoning 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6th Capitol riots.
- Initiating the mass removal of over 1,000 Biden-era appointees deemed unaligned with his administration’s agenda.
- Pausing the TikTok ban, which had taken effect just before his inauguration, pending a review of national security risks.
Trump’s administration has made it clear that it intends to reshape federal policies from top to bottom, with a strong emphasis on traditional values and national security concerns.
What Happens Next? The Legal and Social Fallout
Trump’s policy shift on gender identity and passports has already sparked backlash from civil rights groups, LGBTQ+ organizations, and political opponents.
Legal experts predict that lawsuits challenging the executive order could be filed in the coming months, arguing that the policy violates constitutional rights and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Meanwhile, public response has been mixed:
- Supporters argue that the order restores “biological truth” and aligns government policy with scientific reality.
- Opponents claim that it erases the rights of non-binary individuals and undermines protections for marginalized communities.
As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen whether the policy will withstand legal challenges or if future administrations will attempt to reverse it once again.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for U.S. Policy
Trump’s decision to suspend non-binary passport applications is more than just a bureaucratic change—it’s a defining moment in the ongoing cultural and political battle over gender identity in America.
With the State Department swiftly enforcing the order and legal battles on the horizon, the future of gender identity in federal documentation is now uncertain.
For those affected, this policy shift represents a major setback in inclusivity and recognition—while for Trump’s supporters, it is a long-awaited return to what they see as biological and legal clarity.
No matter where you stand on the issue, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of another highly contentious chapter in America’s political landscape.
