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President Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to California if the state continues to allow transgender athletes to compete in girls’ and women’s sports.
Some shit you should know before you read: Shortly after President Trump returned to office, he signed an executive order aimed at banning transgender women and girls from participating in female athletic programs at educational institutions that receive federal funding. The order states that “it is the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports,” and mandates that schools, colleges, and universities must align with this definition to remain eligible for federal education funding. The directive warns that noncompliance could result in the immediate suspension or permanent revocation of federal funds, including those allocated for school meals, Title I grants, and special education programs. The order applies broadly across all levels of education and includes a provision directing the Department of Education to initiate investigations and enforcement actions against institutions in violation.
What’s going on now: In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, President Trump issued a warning directed at California, threatening to revoke federal funding over the state’s decision to allow a transgender athlete to compete in a girls’ high school track and field championship. Trump wrote: “California continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS. I will speak to him [Gov. Newsom] today to find out which way he wants to go??? In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!! THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS. Please be hereby advised that large scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to.” His post directly references 16-year-old AB Hernandez, a transgender junior at Jurupa Valley High School, who recently qualified for the California State Finals in girls’ long jump and triple jump events.
Hernandez secured the spot at the finals after winning both events at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Masters Meet on May 24, 2025. Hernandez victory, which placed him/her third in the state for triple jump and 13th nationally, drew national media attention and public backlash from conservative figures.
This comes as the CIF and the Jurupa Unified School District have stated that they will continue to follow California law, emphasizing that executive orders do not override state legislation. As of now, California Governor Gavin Newsom has not commented on Trump’s threat.
