Petersen Champions Women at Trump EO Signing

In a policy move that fulfilled one of his main campaign promises, President Donald Trump signed an executive order today entitled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The order prohibits “trans-identifying athletes” (biological males) from participating in female sports at educational institutions across the United States. This action aligns with the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day and seeks to uphold the original intent of Title IX, which ensures that sports teams are designated based on participants’ biological sex at birth.

The executive order directs the Department of Education to interpret Title IX’s provisions as excluding trans-athletes from competing in female sports categories. This interpretation would apply to all federally funded educational institutions and potentially affect policies at both the K-12 and collegiate levels. Proponents argue that this measure is necessary to maintain fairness and safety in women’s sports, citing concerns over the physical advantages of those born as biological males over females.

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14), a staunch advocate for protecting women’s sports, attended the signing ceremony. Petersen has been actively involved in defending Arizona’s “Save Women’s Sports Act,” legislation banning such trans-athletes from participating in female-designated sports teams in public schools. After Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes declined to defend the law in court, Petersen intervened, asserting the necessity of upholding the legislation to ensure fair competition for female athletes.

I am on my way to the White House. Trump is about to make girls sports great again. No more stolen titles. Girls can again pursue their dreams. 70 percent of Americans agree on this issue. And Republicans are delivering on multiple fronts and from all three branches. We have…

— Warren Petersen (@votewarren) February 5, 2025

The debate over trans-athletes participating in female sports has elicited diverse perspectives in Arizona. Supporters of inclusive policies argue that transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in accordance with their self-proclaimed gender identity, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities and the lack of evidence suggesting that inclusion harms women’s sports. For instance, the Center for American Progress notes that “there is no evidence to support the claim that allowing transgender athletes to participate will reduce or harm participation in girls’ sports.”

On the other hand, opponents express concerns about fairness and potential physiological advantages. Petersen has stated, “We cannot remain silent and allow these wrongs against women and girls to continue. We must stand up and fight to protect our daughters, nieces, sisters, and granddaughters from bigger and stronger males who are claiming their identities, their private spaces, their sports, and are putting their safety at risk.”

🚨On this National Girls and Women in Sports Day, @votewarren is joining @realDonaldTrump for an executive order signing this afternoon to ban men from women’s sports. pic.twitter.com/aJhamSBqzb

— AZSenateRepublicans (@AZSenateGOP) February 5, 2025

In addition to his legislative efforts, Senator Petersen has taken steps toward a potential run for Arizona Attorney General in 2026. He recently filed a statement of interest, allowing him to begin collecting signatures for the nominating petition. Many pundits consider the Senate president the frontrunner for the AG position. Petersen has frequently criticized Mayes, describing her as an “activist” who has failed to uphold the law.

He stated, “We have been defending laws she has not. Not only have we done our job but hers as well.”

Rumors abound that Peterson may secure Trump’s endorsement for the AG position while in DC, making him almost unbeatable in 2026.