Trump demands California exclude trans athlete or face funding cuts
Trump threatens to cut funds if California allows trans athlete in girls’ track finals.
President Donald Trump has ignited a new political firestorm by threatening to withhold federal funding from California over the participation of a transgender student-athlete in the girls' state track and field finals.
Citing his February executive order banning transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports, Trump took to Truth Social to demand compliance, warning that funds “will be held back, maybe permanently” if state and local officials do not act.
California's response to federal funding threat
Controversy arose after a high school athlete qualified for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) championship, prompting backlash from many conservative groups, including former president Donald Trump.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, stood by the high school student and stated he had a right to compete, pointing to state law and CIF policy that support participation based on gender identity. This case is a prime example of the ongoing national debate over transgender rights and athletic competition in schools.
CIF implements new rules amid controversy
On Tuesday, amid the controversy, the California Interscholastic Federation, decided to "pilot an entry process" for the upcoming 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships. This pilot would allow "any biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark for one of their section's automatic qualifying entries in the CIF state at-large mark in the finals at their section meet" the opportunity to participate in the championship.
Governor Newsom called the pilot "a reasonable and respectful approach" stating his method highlights fairness. The director of communications for Newsom, Izzy Gardon, said: "The governor is encouraged by this thoughtful approach."
