Judge sides with transgender plaintiffs in case on Trump’s prisons executive order

June 3, 2025, 4:43 PM EDT/Updated June 3, 2025, 4:44 PM EDT

A federal judge has ruled in favor of a group of transgender individuals against a directive issued by President Donald Trump. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth granted a preliminary injunction, directing the Federal Bureau of Prisons to continue providing gender-affirming care to inmates, despite Trump’s order that aimed to restrict federal funding for medical procedures or treatments related to gender transition.

Following Trump’s directive in January, the plaintiffs encountered obstacles in accessing hormone medications and social accommodations such as clothing and hair removal devices. While access to hormone medications was partially restored, social accommodations remained unavailable. Representing a group of individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria, the plaintiffs sought to block the order.

Lamberth, appointed by President Reagan, supported the plaintiffs’ argument at this initial stage of the case. He mandated that the BOP must restore access to social accommodations and provide hormone therapy to all affected individuals as it was prior to Trump’s order. The preliminary injunction does not constitute a final ruling but aims to maintain the existing conditions until the case is resolved.

In his decision to support the plaintiffs at this preliminary phase, Lamberth indicated that they are likely to prevail in the case. He criticized the government’s enforcement of the order as “arbitrary and capricious,” highlighting the unequal treatment of gender dysphoria compared to other medical conditions.

Citing Trump’s executive order, the judge pointed out the lack of justification for restricting hormone medications or social accommodations for prisoners. The order failed to provide a rationale for how these services hinder scientific inquiry, public safety, or other government objectives.

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