Trump Sought Confidential Records on Transgender Care

The subpoena to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia requested documents related to gender-affirming care. Credit...

"Trump officials demanded confidential records from hospitals on transgender children, pressuring providers and restricting gender-affirming care."

Washington, D.C. —Newly published court documents reveal that Trump administration officials sought extensive confidential patient information from doctors and hospitals providing gender-affirming care for children.

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Justice Department Subpoena Targets Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

In June, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia received a seven-page subpoena requesting “every writing or record of whatever type” related to gender-affirming treatments. This includes therapy, puberty blockers, hormones, and sometimes surgery, as well as birth dates, Social Security numbers, and addresses of patients.

The subpoena also requested emails, text messages, voicemails, and communications sent via encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp.

According to reporting by The Washington Post, the records request illustrates the administration’s efforts to override federal confidentiality protections for patients and providers while pressuring hospitals to halt transition care for children.

Government Pressure on Hospitals and Providers

Officials familiar with the investigation say these subpoenas were part of an effort to determine if any laws were violated and to gain leverage over healthcare providers offering transgender care. Investigators could potentially pursue criminal charges if fraud is uncovered.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Gender and Sexuality Development Clinic did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Broader Campaign Against Pediatric Gender Care

The Justice Department’s actions are part of a wider federal campaign targeting pediatric gender care:

1. May 2025: Nine leading children’s hospitals received letters from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, demanding data on gender-related treatments and applying financial pressure.

2. June 2025: The FBI asked the public to report hospitals and doctors performing gender-related surgeries on minors.

3. July 2025: The DOJ announced investigations into manufacturers of drugs used in transgender care for potential violations of drug marketing laws.

Even in states where gender-affirming care is broadly legal, hospitals have curtailed services amid federal scrutiny. For example, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles closed its renowned transgender care clinic last month.

Impact on Families and Providers

These federal actions have raised concerns among medical professionals and families about access to care for transgender youth. Hospitals and clinics face mounting legal and financial pressures, affecting their ability to provide essential treatments.