Trump vows to end ‘socially engineering race and gender’ in inaugural address

President Donald Trump is poised to sign a series of executive orders aimed at significantly curtailing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, alongside a proclamation that the US federal government will recognise only two sexes—male and female.

In his inaugural speech, Trump declared, “This week, I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based. As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”

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The executive orders are expected to put an end to federal funding for initiatives promoting “gender ideology,” a term often used to describe views that challenge traditional concepts of sex and gender. The orders will also prevent federal funds from being used for transition medical procedures.

During his first term, Trump had announced a ban on transgender troops serving in the military and had frozen the recruitment of transgender personnel. This ban was reversed by President Biden when he took office in 2021.

The two executive orders on DEI and gender issues are part of a broader suite of executive actions Trump plans to take as he begins his second term.

The inauguration ceremony began with JD Vance, Trump’s vice president-elect, taking the oath of office, followed by Trump being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. This marked a remarkable political comeback for Trump, who had faced significant setbacks, including the riots at the U.S. Capitol in 2021 and a felony conviction in 2024.

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