State department officials around the world have been ordered to bar transgender athletes from visiting the U.S. for sporting competitions.

The U.S. Justice Department says it "stands ready to sue" Minnesota and two other states that are defying President Trump's executive order earlier this month that bans transgender girls and women from competing in sports consistent with their gender identity.

The U.S. State Department has instructed officials to deny visas to transgender athletes attempting to enter the country for competition, according to reports.