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Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday that bans transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, fulfilling a key promise of his 2024 campaign.
The executive order directs federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, to interpret Title IX regulations as prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in female sports categories. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding.
According to a White House document obtained by ABC News, the order aims to establish consistent guidelines for sex and sports policy across federal agencies.
Titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” the order mandates immediate enforcement against schools and athletic associations that do not offer single-sex sports and locker rooms for women. It will also instruct state attorneys general to determine best practices for enforcing this mandate.
At the signing ceremony, surrounded by female athletes, Trump criticized what he referred to as “transgender lunacy,” stating, “Under the Trump administration, we will defend the proud tradition of female athletes, and we will not allow men to beat up, injure, and cheat our women and our girls.” He inaccurately claimed that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was “a male,” despite Khelif identifying as a woman and being assigned female at birth, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The White House anticipates that sports organizations like the NCAA will revise their rules to align with the newly signed order, as stated by a senior administration official. NCAA President Charlie Baker mentioned to Republican senators in December, “We’re a national governing body, and we follow federal law. Clarity on this issue at the federal level would be very helpful.”
Despite significant controversy, there are very few transgender athletes in women’s sports. Baker reported that, out of 500,000 NCAA athletes, he is currently aware of fewer than ten who are transgender.
The signing ceremony included over 60 attendees, including athletes, coaches, and advocates opposed to transgender participation in women’s sports, such as former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines. May Mailman, deputy assistant to the president and senior policy strategist, stated that the executive order aims to “affirmatively protect women’s sports.” She explained that the order is intended to reverse Biden-era policies that required schools and athletic organizations to treat gender identity and sex as equivalent. She noted that a court ruling had determined such requirements unnecessary and that the president’s order explicitly bans them.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, argued that the executive order would lead to increased discrimination and harassment. “This order could expose young people to harassment and discrimination, emboldening people to question the gender of kids who don’t fit a narrow view of how they should dress or look,” Robinson stated. “Participation in sports is about cultivating teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. For many students, sports provide a sense of belonging. We should advocate for all kids, not implement partisan policies that complicate their lives.”
Mailman emphasized that the executive order’s goal was “not to ensure that everyone conforms to their sex stereotype while playing sports,” but rather to “protect women’s sports,” also noting that options such as co-ed categories would still be available.
The White House warned that universities failing to comply could face not only a loss of federal funding but also legal action. Mailman said, “If schools don’t comply, it’s not just that they risk actions from the Department of Justice. Title IX has a private right of action component, so if schools violate the law, they’re at risk of lawsuits from their female students, leading to multi-million dollar lawsuits.”ts.”
President Donald Trump of the United States has enacted a 15 percent import tariff on goods from Nigeria as part of a wider executive order that targets numerous countries within a revised global trade framework. The updated tariff list was revealed by the White House on Thursday, concluding a 90-day extension granted in April to negotiate specific trade agreements. Initially, Nigeria faced a 14 percent tariff, but its implementation was postponed to allow for further discussions.
The updated order raises Nigeria’s tariff to 15 percent, affecting several African and non-African nations. According to the White House, this action aligns with Trump’s policy of “reciprocal tariffs,” which is designed to counter what the administration views as unfair trade practices by US partners. Efforts to negotiate customized trade agreements with African states reportedly did not yield positive outcomes. As the new deadline arrived, the US had failed to establish any trade pacts with any African nation.
In the aftermath of the initial announcement, several countries sought alternative arrangements or exemptions. However, US officials pointed to a lack of progress to justify the execution of the new tariff schedule.
Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, recognized the region’s initiatives to strengthen trade with the US, but noted that travel restrictions imposed during the negotiation period complicated diplomatic efforts. “Nigeria and West African nations worked towards enhancing trade relations with the United States,” Tuggar stated. “However, the travel bans and wider restrictions impeded the process.”
Other countries subjected to the 15 percent tariff include Angola, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda, Israel, South Korea, and Norway. More substantial tariffs were introduced for countries like India (25%), South Africa (30%), and Switzerland (39%), while some countries, such as Syria, faced tariffs exceeding 40%.
This latest trade order by Trump also impacts the US’s North American neighbors. Canada now faces a 35 percent tariff, while Mexico is subject to a range of tariffs from 25 to 50 percent on various goods, including automobiles, metals, and fentanyl-related products. Brazil, which was initially assigned a 10 percent tariff, now faces a dramatic increase to a 50 percent rate following a separate announcement made on Thursday.
Negotiations with China are still in progress, with no new tariff rate declared for Beijing under the current order.
Complete List of Countries and Corresponding US Import Tariffs Under President Donald Trump’s Revised Trade Order, Announced on August 1, 2025:
10% Tariff
- Falkland Islands
- United Kingdom
- All other countries not specified in the executive order
15% Tariff
Africa:
- Angola
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ghana
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Americas:
- Bolivia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Guyana
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Venezuela
Asia & Pacific:
- Afghanistan
- Fiji
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Papua New Guinea
- South Korea
- Turkey
- Vanuatu
Europe:
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
18% Tariff
- Nicaragua
19% Tariff
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Pakistan
- Philippines
20% Tariff
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
25% Tariff
- Brunei
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Moldova
- Tunisia
30% Tariff
- Algeria
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Libya
- South Africa
35% Tariff
- Iraq
- Serbia
- Canada
39% Tariff
- Switzerland
40% Tariff
- Laos
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Brazil (an additional 40% tariff added on August 1, raising Brazil’s total to 50%)
41% Tariff
- Syria
Special Tariffs (Mexico)
- 25% on fentanyl-related products
- 25% on automobiles
- 50% on steel, aluminium, and copper (effective in 90 days)
China
- No rate announced yet
- Currently engaged in ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration
The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerians about the repercussions of engaging in visa fraud and illegal immigration, stating that such actions could lead to a permanent ban on obtaining a visa. This warning was shared in a post on the official X page of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.
“Individuals who commit visa fraud will face a lifetime ban from entering the United States,” the statement highlighted. It also emphasized, “A nation without borders is not a nation,” illustrating the U.S. government’s ongoing dedication to securing its borders and enforcing strict immigration regulations.
Furthermore, the U.S. has indicated that it will actively seek criminal charges against those involved in visa-related offenses, including individuals who assist or shelter undocumented migrants. This involves sponsors, agents, and smugglers who contribute to the rise of illegal immigration, a practice that has become increasingly prevalent in parts of West Africa.
This warning comes as concerns grow over the increasing number of Nigerians attempting to enter the United States through fraudulent means.
In recent years, U.S. immigration officials have reported numerous incidents involving fake documents, marriage fraud, and misrepresentation during visa interviews. These actions not only threaten the integrity of the U.S. immigration system but also put individuals at risk of detention, deportation, or prosecution.
Several African nations have recently encountered visa restrictions or travel bans from the United States. Initially, countries like Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan were subject to a travel ban. More recently, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo faced partial restrictions.
Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia have also seen a reduction in the validity of certain visas, often attributed to security issues, insufficient cooperation on deportation matters, and inadequate identity verification processes.
Additionally, the U.S. has mandated that the social media accounts of all foreigners applying for visas will be examined for any signs of hostility towards the country’s citizens, culture, government, institutions, or foundational principles.
Nigerians are encouraged to refer to official resources, such as the U.S. Embassy or Consulate websites, for reliable information regarding visa applications.
At least 60 people have lost their lives in a devastating fire at a shopping center in Kut, Iraq, according to officials. The incident occurred at the Corniche Hypermarket on Wednesday night and has since been contained. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage captured firefighters rescuing individuals from the roof, while many others remain unaccounted for.
Regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that legal action would be initiated against the mall’s owner. Videos broadcasted on INA’s news channel depicted intense flames engulfing multiple floors of the shopping center as firefighters battled to extinguish the blaze. Other clips circulating online showed some people on the roof during the incident and the charred remains of the mall’s interior.
Firefighters managed to rescue several individuals from the burning building, al-Miyahi reported to local media. Emergency services were still transporting victims to hospitals in the city, which is located approximately 160 km (100 miles) southeast of Baghdad, as late as 4:00 AM local time.
The interior ministry’s statement quoted by AFP confirmed the tragic toll of the fire, revealing that 61 innocent people had perished, most succumbing to smoke inhalation in bathrooms, with 14 of the deceased yet to be identified. Nasir al-Quraishi, a local doctor in his 50s, mournfully shared that he lost five family members in the fire. “We went to the mall to have some food, eat dinner and escape power cuts at home. An air conditioner exploded on the second floor, and then the fire erupted, leaving us with no means of escape,” he recounted.
A medical source added, “We have more than 50 martyrs, and many bodies remain unidentified.” An investigation is currently in progress to determine the cause of the blaze, with preliminary results expected in the next two days. Al-Miyahi stated the incident should serve as a wake-up call, leading to a thorough review of safety protocols.
The shopping had opened just five days ago, AFP reported.
source: BBC
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