Donald Trump says Medicaid transgender rule spares "young, innocent, and perhaps confused children"

The Trump administration finalized a regulation barring the use of federal Medicaid dollars for gender-transition medical treatment for enrollees younger than 18. Announced Tuesday, the rule affects coverage for low-income children and requires states that continue offering such care through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to pay for it without federal matching funds. Mental health services remain eligible for federal support. The policy takes effect October 13, with a six-month transition period for children currently receiving treatment. President Trump welcomed the change, saying it would protect young people from irreversible procedures. Democrats and major medical groups criticized the restriction as harmful. The move is part of the administration’s broader pre-midterm focus on transgender healthcare.