The Department of Justice has recently issued a significant number of subpoenas to clinics that offer gender-affirming care as part of investigations related to transition-related procedures. Chad Mizelle, DOJ chief of staff, made this announcement during an event hosted by the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, the department has also sent subpoenas to major manufacturers of drugs used in transgender medical interventions in connection with inquiries into drug marketing laws and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
This latest move by the Trump administration is part of a series of actions targeting providers of gender-affirming care. In June, the FBI requested public tips on clinics offering such services, while in May, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sought information from nine hospitals regarding their protocols. These actions follow an executive order issued by President Trump early in his term, directing the withholding of federal funds from hospitals providing gender-affirming care to individuals under 19.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court recently upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. At a workshop organized by the FTC, multiple speakers, including long-time anti-trans activists and clinicians, discussed the agency’s role in investigating healthcare practices to protect consumers from deceptive practices.
FTC Commissioner Melissa Holyoak emphasized that while the FTC cannot dictate policy on sex transition treatments for minors, it can intervene to prevent deceptive statements regarding such treatments. The workshop highlighted concerns about the safety of young trans individuals, with evidence suggesting that access to gender-affirming care can reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Critics of gender-affirming care providers allege fraudulent insurance claims and collaboration between professional organizations to promote such treatments. However, experts have countered these claims, emphasizing the importance of accurate information and access to care for trans individuals.
The response to the DOJ’s subpoenas and potential FTC actions remains uncertain for many clinics and institutions. Some healthcare providers have already halted gender-affirming care for minors in response to the Trump administration’s policies.
Kellan Baker, Executive Director of the Institute for Health Research and Policy, described the administration’s tactics as part of an authoritarian playbook. He called on state governments, medical institutions, and legal entities to support and protect transgender individuals in the face of these challenges.
