American Academy of Pediatrics Sues FTC Over Gender-Affirming Care Investigation

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has initiated a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), challenging an investigation into the organization's support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Filed in Washington, D.C., the lawsuit contends that the FTC's actions represent unconstitutional retaliation by the Trump administration for AAP's advocacy on this issue.

The lawsuit arises from a civil investigative demand issued by the FTC on January 15, 2026, which sought extensive documentation related to AAP's marketing and advertising of "pediatric gender dysphoria treatment." This investigation follows a series of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in January 2025, which restricted federal recognition to only two sexes—male and female—and mandated the cessation of federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors. AAP argues that the FTC's demand is an overreach of its statutory authority and an infringement on free speech rights.

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): A professional organization advocating for the health and well-being of children, which has publicly supported gender-affirming treatments since a 2018 policy statement.

• U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): A federal agency responsible for enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws, currently investigating AAP's practices.

• President Donald Trump: The former president whose administration is accused of retaliating against AAP for its stance on gender-affirming care.

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: U.S. Health Secretary involved in disputes with AAP over vaccine policy changes, which have also led to separate litigation by the organization.

In its lawsuit, AAP claims that the FTC's investigation is intended to intimidate the organization and is unconstitutional. The lawsuit seeks a judicial order to block the FTC's document request, asserting that the agency is unable to prevail in the "marketplace of ideas" and has resorted to burdensome legal tactics. The FTC has not yet commented on the lawsuit.

Critics of the FTC's investigation argue that it undermines the AAP's ability to advocate for transgender youth and could have chilling effects on medical professionals who support gender-affirming care. The AAP's legal challenge highlights concerns over governmental overreach and the potential impact on public health advocacy.

While AAP's lawsuit emphasizes the constitutional implications of the FTC's actions, there is no response from the FTC regarding the allegations of retaliation or the specifics of the investigation. Additionally, the broader implications of the Trump administration's executive orders on gender-affirming care remain a contentious topic, with varying perspectives on their impact on public health and individual rights.

• “Unable to prevail in the marketplace of ideas, the FTC has resorted to burdening AAP with an intrusive and expensive investigation that is unconstitutional and outside the scope of the FTC's statutory authority,” — American Academy of Pediatrics

• “The medical organization argues that the federal agency’s information request violates constitutional free speech protections and represents payback from President Trump’s administration for the group’s advocacy positions.” — American Academy of Pediatrics

This legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between federal policies and medical organizations advocating for the rights and health of transgender youth.