In a move that’s drawing sharp criticism from conservatives, New York Attorney General Letitia James has directly contradicted President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at protecting children from “gender-affirming” surgeries and treatments. James, known for her aggressive stance on progressive policies, has ordered hospitals in New York to comply with state laws allowing transgender surgeries for minors, warning them that failing to provide such treatments would violate state law.

Trump’s executive order, hailed by many as a critical step in safeguarding vulnerable children, defined “children” as anyone under the age of 19 and took aim at the harmful practices often associated with transgender “care.” These practices, which conservatives have long condemned, include chemical and surgical procedures that alter a child’s natural development. The order specifically labeled these interventions as “mutilation” and emphasized that they carry irreversible consequences, leaving many minors to face permanent regret.

James’s opposition to this order could not be clearer. In a letter sent to healthcare providers and organizations receiving federal funding, James made it clear that denying transgender procedures to minors would be considered discriminatory under New York State law. “Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws,” she stated, arguing that withholding “care” from transgender children amounts to a violation of their rights based on gender identity.

The order issued by Trump defined these procedures—puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries—as irreversible and dangerous. The executive order noted that children undergoing such interventions could face lifelong medical complications, including sterilization and the inability to have children. The order also warned that these youths often end up regretting their decisions later in life. “Countless children soon regret that they have been mutilated and begin to grasp the horrifying tragedy that they will never be able to conceive children of their own or nurture their children through breastfeeding,” it stated.

The executive order also highlighted the enormous financial burden such procedures place on children and their families, as these treatments often lead to long-term medical costs. The order emphasized that the U.S. government would no longer fund or support these procedures for minors and would vigorously enforce laws against them.

Reports indicate that several hospitals across the country have already paused their transgender surgeries for minors in response to Trump’s order. The White House has claimed that the executive order is achieving its intended goal of preventing minors from undergoing irreversible treatments. “It’s already having its intended effect — preventing children from being maimed and sterilized by adults perpetuating a radical, false claim that they can somehow change a child’s sex,” a White House statement read. “Hospitals around the country are taking action to downsize or eliminate their so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ programs.”

James’s decision to ignore the president’s order underscores the stark divide between progressive elites and conservatives concerned about protecting children. While Trump and many in the conservative movement seek to shield young people from the devastating consequences of these irreversible medical procedures, James and her allies continue to push a radical agenda that seeks to normalize gender transition for minors.

This ongoing battle between state and federal authorities over the safety and well-being of children is not just about politics—it’s about the future of a generation. While progressives like Letitia James insist on pushing forward with transgender treatments for children, conservatives will continue to fight for policies that prioritize the protection and health of young people, ensuring they are not subjected to life-altering procedures they may later regret.