Trump signs executive order creating women’s health division within NIH

October 19, 2026 / 11:59 AM EDT / CBS News

Washington — President Trump on Monday signed an executive order creating a women's health division within the National Institutes of Health and a White House Women's Health Task Force.

First lady Melania Trump joined him for a signing ceremony in the Rose Garden and said the executive order will make progress on five objectives:

"This is a transformative moment for women in America," the first lady said. "Beginning today, we will change the reality of women's health. 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."

Mr. Trump credited the first lady with conceiving the idea for a women's health division within NIH. The first lady added her signature to the executive order after the president did, although her signature has no legal weight.

"Think of it, a women's health division," Mr. Trump said. "Who the hell wouldn't have a women's health division? Melania said, 'They don't have it.'"

The president said Americans will soon hear about "incredible things that we're doing" to get women the care they need, although…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/