U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked international controversy by declaring that every female athlete competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be required to undergo a “one-time sex test.” The announcement was made during a press conference promoting the upcoming Games, set to return to Los Angeles for the first time since 1984.
The move comes in the wake of heated debates over fairness in women’s sports, following incidents at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Games in France drew scrutiny after Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting—both winners in women’s boxing—were revealed to have been previously disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championships over alleged failures in gender eligibility tests.
During Tuesday’s press briefing, Trump was questioned about the potential prosecution of transgender athletes competing in women’s categories, particularly in boxing. He responded firmly, stating:
“As far as charges, I’d have to ask the attorney general about that. I don’t know, but there will be a very, very strong form of testing, and if the test doesn’t come out appropriately, they won’t be in the Olympics.”
Also present was Gene Sykes, chairman of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who pledged to adhere to Trump’s directive. Expressing his gratitude, Trump said:
“The United States will not let men steal trophies from women at the 2028 Olympics. So, we appreciate the fairness and everything else that you’ve shown.”
Trump suggested that the committee might have independently enforced a ban on transgender athletes in women’s events, adding:
“They probably would have because it just seems to be an issue that most people feel should be.”
The 79-year-old president further announced plans to involve federal agencies in ensuring the Games’ security and success, promising an event that will showcase American excellence on the global stage.
“It’s going to be amazing. I think it’s going to be amazing. America is a nation of champions, and in July 2028 we’ll show the world what America does best, and that’s when we’re winning like we have never won before.”
Trump, who reclaimed the presidency in the November 2024 election, is currently serving his second and final term, set to end in early 2029. Under existing U.S. law, presidents are limited to two terms in office.
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