Donald Trump signs order in Washington boosting women’s health research
President Donald Trump directed the federal government on Monday in Washington to bolster women’s health research. The directive establishes new panels to coordinate medical studies across all stages of women’s lives. His wife, first lady Melania Trump, pushed for the action.
The Republican president signed an executive order creating a Women’s Health Division at the National Institutes of Health. It also establishes a separate White House Women’s Health Task Force. That panel was scheduled to hold its first meeting on Monday.
“Beginning today we will change the reality of women’s health,” Melania Trump said. “Previous generations fought for women’s rights. Our generation will fight to discover the cures that will ensure a woman can live her life in health and to the fullest.”
The president spoke next. He stated the order will promote new research and target understudied diseases affecting women. The order is intended to advance diagnostic tools and treatments.
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will lead the panel. Wiles recently finished treatment for breast cancer. Trump said the task force will coordinate with various federal agencies.
The order contains no specific funding goals. It follows meetings the first lady held with Trump, Kennedy and other federal health officials. Trump labeled the measure a historic action.
“She’s accomplished so much,” Trump said. He then shifted to commentary on White House renovations, including patio stones covering the former Rose Garden lawn.
The president also questioned why such an office did not exist earlier. “Who the hell wouldn’t have a women’s health division?” he asked.
The NIH website notes its Office of Research on Women’s Health was established in 1990. A White House fact sheet said the new division aims to improve coordination across government research.
The order targets key areas of health:
- Maternal health, mental health and endometriosis
- Infertility, fibroids and menopause
- Alzheimer’s, heart disease, osteoporosis and stroke
The announcement in Washington comes roughly two weeks before the Nov. 3 elections. Recent AP-NORC polling indicates about one-third of women approve of Trump’s overall performance. A July poll showed about two-thirds disapproved of his healthcare handling.
An October AP-NORC poll found women more likely than men to call healthcare a top election issue. Trump’s job approval ratings have dropped recently. It was not clear if the order conflicts with earlier administration actions curtailing diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The administration has cut scientific studies with a diversity focus. Last year, officials announced plans to end the long-running Women’s Health Initiative early. Officials reversed that decision following protests.
The action rescinds a 2023 order from Democratic President Joe Biden. That earlier initiative was led by first lady Jill Biden. The Bidens said that effort drew nearly $1 billion from agencies, including the Defense Department and the NIH.
The White House said Monday’s steps exceed earlier measures. It cited planned artificial intelligence tools, which Trump calls super intelligence. It also cited a government-wide task force.
Executive orders direct federal agency operations under existing statutory authority. Newly formed task forces typically organize staff from multiple departments to review federal programs and draft internal guidance.
The Washington initiative expands Melania Trump’s policy work. Her second-term portfolio includes foster care, educational technology access and reuniting children separated by war in Ukraine. Her first-term Be Best initiative targeted child well-being, social media safety and drug abuse.
