It was a spectacle, as is often the case with President Donald Trump. A kind of illusion, where things may not be as they appear. There are hidden agendas at play, much like a magician’s trick.

This pattern was evident during Wednesday’s event at the White House, where Trump enacted an executive order that prohibits transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Surrounded by many women and girls, Congress members, and governors, the ceremony couldn’t mask the grim reality of the situation.

Trump referred to trans athletes as invaders, posing a threat to women’s sports. He labeled it a “war on women’s sports” and made false claims about the gender of an Olympic boxer, demonstrating blatant transphobia. Nonetheless, he received applause and laughter in response to his misguided attempts at humor, even as other pressing issues, like high egg prices, lingered.

That was the primary narrative Trump wanted to convey: safeguarding women from the supposed threat of transgender athletes. He claimed, “From now on, women’s sports will be only for women.”

But, in reality, that has always been the case.

However, there’s a crucial aspect that Trump chose to ignore, one the administration prefers to keep out of the spotlight. This detail uncovers the falsehood behind their claims of “protecting women.”

The core of this executive order, along with the broader anti-trans movement, is predicated on the belief that trans women are not true women but men (which is inaccurate). Consequently, they argue that girls and women need to be shielded from them (which is also untrue).

Furthermore, they assert that any woman who defies their narrow standards of femininity must be seen as a man pretending to be a woman.

The notion persists that trans women hold an unfair edge over non-trans women in athletic competitions. We could explore the numerous reasons why this belief is misguided, but that’s a discussion for another occasion.

South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace—a prominent supporter of the executive order—introduced a resolution in November aiming to prohibit trans women from using women’s restrooms in Congress. This move followed the election of Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-Delaware), the first openly transgender representative in Congress.

Mace made a statement asserting that “Sarah McBride doesn’t get a say. I mean, this is a biological man,” insisting that McBride “does not belong in women’s spaces, women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, period, full stop.”

This encapsulates the underlying message. The narrative revolves around protecting women and their spaces, reverberating constantly. Protect women, protect women, protect women.

While it’s crucial to safeguard girls and women, the narrative surrounding this executive order is quite telling. Looking at the individual who signed it and the prominent men surrounding him, their commitment to women’s protection appears questionable, perhaps even contradictory.

Trump, who issued an order meant to shield women, has been found liable for sexual abuse and has infamously stated he can simply grab women by their private parts. Numerous women have accused him of sexual misconduct dating back to the 1970s. Several close associates of Trump have also faced allegations of sexual misconduct and have denied those claims.

Matt Gaetz, who was originally favored for U.S. attorney general, withdrew amid accusations of a sexual relationship with a minor while serving in Congress.

Donald Trump’s defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, was scrutinized during a 2017 investigation regarding sexual assault.

Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, faced lawsuits against his SpaceX company from employees who alleged they were dismissed after reporting sexual harassment.

Jason Miller, a longtime aide to Trump, is currently battling a civil rape lawsuit.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services, is accused of having behaved inappropriately with a nanny in the 1990s.

Several other individuals close to Trump have also been implicated in sexual misconduct allegations. Isn’t this how we define protecting women?

This executive order will bring no real protection. It’s a façade. Trump’s actions resemble a fox promoting a law for hen safety. His intention is purely to gain favor with a base that opposes the trans community.

This brings us to the implications of the order.

“This order could lead to harassment and discrimination against young people, encouraging individuals to question the gender identity of kids who don’t conform to their narrow expectations of appearance and behavior,” stated Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “Participation in sports should foster teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. For many youths, sports offer a sense of belonging. We must advocate for all children, not impose partisan policies that complicate their lives.”

This order will harm those who only wish to live authentically.

That is the true injustice of the situation. All hidden behind a deceptive façade.