President Trump is pressuring California to bar a transgender female student athlete from competing in the girls’ state track and field finals, threatening to withhold federal education funds if state authorities do not comply. Trump’s executive order from February bans transgender girls and women from competing in sports teams aligning with their gender identity and calls for rescinding funds from programs that “deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities.”
Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom on social media for allowing the student to compete, labeling it unfair and “demeaning to women and girls.” Newsom’s office responded by supporting the California Interscholastic Federation’s (CIF) new pilot entry process aiming to balance fairness and inclusivity. The pilot allows biological female athletes who qualify for the event a chance to participate.
Related posts
The transgender athlete, AB Hernandez, a high school junior and track champion, has drawn national conservative backlash. California law and CIF policy currently require schools to permit students to compete consistent with their gender identity.
The Trump administration has taken similar stances elsewhere, including a recent DOJ lawsuit against Maine over transgender athlete participation, indicating potential further legal actions.
