This is the latest move in a series of policies restricting transgender rights during Mr. Trump's second term.

The order, which is expected to face multiple legal challenges, comes on the heels of another order aimed at banning transgender people from serving in the US military.

During his campaign, President Trump pledged to end what he called “childhood gender mutilation,” a reference to medical treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth.

“No federal funds shall be used to finance, support, promote, or assist in the ‘gender transition’ of children. The government will strictly enforce all laws that prohibit or restrict these dangerous and life-altering treatments,” Trump’s order states.

Trump supporters, such as the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, welcomed the order. But Dr. Marci Bowers, a transgender health care specialist, warned that Trump would be held accountable for the consequences of the decision, which could even lead to the deaths of young people due to lack of medical care.

Many major medical associations around the world have recognized transgender treatments as legitimate and in many cases life-saving for adolescents with gender identity disorder.

Cao Phong (according to PBS, NPR, NBC)