Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, expressed his support for President Trump’s executive order banning gender surgeries for minors. This comes as 14 states are currently suing the Trump administration over the order.
“President Trump stands up for children and for common sense,” said Cortes. “Vulnerable children need help, meaning prayer, love, and talk therapy, not mutilation of their bodies by surgery or pharmaceuticals.”
In January 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14187, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.” According to a White House press release, the order aims to eliminate federal support for gender-affirming care for individuals under 19. It prohibits federal funding, promotion, or assistance for such care—including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries—and directs agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to enforce restrictions. The order also mandates that grant recipients cease providing these treatments to minors.
According to Just the News, fourteen states and the District of Columbia have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging this executive order. Filed in Massachusetts, the lawsuit argues that the policy effectively deters healthcare providers from offering lawful treatments to transgender individuals under 19. Plaintiffs—including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and others—are seeking an injunction to halt the implementation of the order. They claim it threatens the health and rights of vulnerable youth.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has joined Democratic officials in this federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. According to CBS News, this legal action challenges recent restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Filed in Boston, it follows subpoenas issued by the DOJ to over 20 doctors and clinics—including UPMC—linked to transgender healthcare. Plaintiffs argue that these actions unlawfully intimidate providers and deny medically necessary treatment. The DOJ contends that subpoenas are part of investigations into potential healthcare fraud and false statements.
Cortes serves as Founder and President of the League of American Workers and is also a senior political advisor to CatholicVote. He previously held roles as a senior advisor to President Trump and JD Vance and has been a commentator for Fox News and CNN. Additionally, he regularly publishes documentaries and columns on cortesinvestigates.com.
