Trump's Terms Supreme Court appears likely to uphold state bans on transgender athletes
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Jan 14, 2026 
Nina Totenberg, NPR's legal affairs correspondent with years of experience covering the Supreme Court, dives into the complexities of state bans on transgender athletes in school sports. She summarizes the lawsuits challenging these laws and details the courtroom debates on science and statutory interpretation. Totenberg highlights Justice Kavanaugh's concerns about competitive fairness and discusses potential outcomes regarding states' policies on inclusion. Tune in for insights on how these legal rulings could shape the future of sports and equality.
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Conservative Majority Likely To Uphold Bans
- The Supreme Court's conservative majority seemed inclined to uphold 27 state bans on transgender girls in school sports.
- Nina Totenberg connects this inclination to the current political moment and divisions among Democrats, suggesting wide legal impact.
Two Test Cases Framed The Legal Issue
- Two cases involve a college-aged transgender girl in Idaho and a fifth grader in West Virginia challenging state bans under Equal Protection and federal statutes.
- The plaintiffs argued the laws discriminate against transgender girls and violate protections for women in sports.
Court Debated Science And Legal Boundaries
- Justices probed science and legal reach, debating whether biological differences justify categorical exclusions.
- The argument tested how far statutes and constitutional protections extend to transgender students in athletics.