President Donald Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi takes a decisive stance on protecting children through a Department of Justice memorandum.
According to Breitbart, the memorandum, which was exclusively shared with the news outlet, outlines comprehensive measures to prevent gender reassignment procedures on minors and establish accountability for medical practitioners involved in such practices.
The directive represents a significant shift from the previous administration's policies, with Bondi specifically criticizing former President Joe Biden's approach to transgender issues. She highlighted Biden's actions, including his meetings with transgender activists and his appointment of Rachel Levine as Assistant Secretary for Health.
The memorandum aligns with President Trump's executive order titled "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," which he issued in January 2025. The order explicitly states that the United States will not support any form of gender transition for individuals under 19 years of age.
In her guidance to DOJ employees, Bondi emphasized the enforcement of existing laws against female genital mutilation. The department will also investigate potential violations of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and False Claims Act related to gender transition procedures.
The Attorney General's office has directed the Civil Division's Consumer Protection Branch to examine possible violations by manufacturers and distributors who may have made false claims about drugs used in gender transitions.
Bondi presented the following statement to medical practitioners and healthcare facilities:
The Department of Justice will not sit idly by while doctors, motivated by ideology, profits, or both, exploit and mutilate our children. Under my watch, the Department will act decisively to protect our children and hold accountable those who mutilate them under the guise of care. I am putting medical practitioners, hospitals, and clinics on notice: In the United States, it is a felony to perform, attempt to perform, or conspire to perform female genital mutilation ('FGM') on any person under the age of 18. That crime carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years per count.
The Office of Legislative Affairs has been instructed to draft new legislation that would create a private right of action for affected children and their parents. This proposed law would include an extended statute of limitations and retroactive liability provisions.
The National Institutes of Health has been directed to conduct studies examining the potential negative effects of gender transition procedures. This research initiative demonstrates the administration's commitment to understanding the full spectrum of outcomes associated with these medical interventions.
The DOJ's approach includes investigating pharmaceutical companies that may have misled the public about the long-term effects of chemical and surgical procedures. This scrutiny extends to the marketing and distribution of puberty blockers and sex hormones.
The comprehensive strategy also involves coordination between various government agencies to ensure consistent enforcement of protection measures across different jurisdictions.
Attorney General Bondi's memorandum represents a significant shift in federal policy regarding gender-related medical procedures for minors. The Department of Justice, under Trump's administration, has established a framework to prevent gender reassignment procedures on individuals under 19 years old through this new directive.
The initiative combines immediate enforcement actions with plans for new legislation, aiming to create long-term protections for minors while holding medical professionals accountable for their practices. The DOJ's approach includes investigating violations, drafting new protective legislation, and coordinating with various government agencies to implement these measures effectively.
