Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Approval to Reinstate Restrictions on Transgender Inmate Care

The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to allow the federal Bureau of Prisons to enforce a policy that limits medical treatments and social accommodations for transgender inmates. This request comes after a lower court blocked the policy, which stopped hormone therapy, surgery, and gender-affirming items like clothing.

The policy, introduced in February 2026, permits mental health support but bans most gender-affirming medical care. It also phases out hormone treatments for inmates already receiving them. The administration argues this change is necessary to maintain prison security and is based on the Bureau’s experience.

However, a federal judge ruled earlier this year that the policy was “arbitrary and capricious,” saying the Bureau did not properly consider its prior practice of providing gender-affirming care. The judge ordered the government to continue offering treatments under the previous rules while the lawsuit continues.

The case started after three transgender inmates challenged the policy, following an executive order from President Trump in January 2025 that directed the Justice Department to stop funding gender-affirming treatments in federal prisons. The dispute now focuses on whether the Bureau of Prisons adequately explained its policy change and followed proper procedures.

The US Court of Appeals recently declined to reinstate the restrictions, and the administration has turned to the Supreme Court for help. It is unclear when the Supreme Court will decide on this request or what the outcome will be.

This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions over transgender rights in the federal prison system and government policy. The courts will play a key role in deciding how transgender inmates are treated while incarcerated.