Appeals Court Rules Trump’s Policy Goals Can Justify Justice Department Subpoenas for Gender-Affirming Care Providers
A federal appeals court has ruled that former President Trump's goal of ending gender-affirming care can be a basis for the Justice Department to issue subpoenas to providers of this care. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 14, 2026 —
A federal appeals court has determined that the former President’s stated policy objective of ending gender-affirming care may serve as grounds for the Justice Department to issue subpoenas to healthcare providers offering such services. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, overturned a previous ruling by a lower court that had invalidated a subpoena directed at QueerDoc, a telemedicine provider.
The appellate court’s majority opinion stated that a president’s law enforcement priorities can be consistent with their policy objectives. The court also characterized the efficacy of gender-affirming treatments as an “uncertain scientific debate.” This ruling allows the Justice Department to proceed with its subpoena against QueerDoc, reversing the district court’s earlier decision to quash it.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is representing QueerDoc, has indicated its intention to challenge the subpoena further. The organization plans to continue its legal fight against the Justice Department’s request in the district court.
The specific details of the Justice Department’s investigation or the precise information sought in the subpoena were not detailed in the court’s published decision. The identity of the former president was explicitly stated as Trump in the initial trend summary.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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