On Thursday, President Trump warned that California schools could face funding cuts if they don’t comply with his transgender policies. This follows the state’s refusal to prohibit transgender girls from participating in girls’ school sports.
“If California school districts do not follow these transgender policies, they will lose funding. I appreciate your awareness of this issue,” Trump stated on a social media platform, without elaborating on the specifics of any possible funding reductions.
Recently, the Department of Justice took legal action against the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), alleging a pattern of “illegal sex discrimination against female student athletes.” This was in response to California’s noncompliance with federal regulations.
Prior to this legal move, in May, Trump had already issued a personal warning, stating he would cut federal funding if California did not prevent transgender high school athletes from competing in state championships.
In February, he asserted that U.S. policy opposes the participation of biological males in women’s sports, suggesting he would “retract all funds” for programs that undermine fair opportunities for women and girls.
In turn, the CIF has maintained its stance, insisting that transgender athletes will be permitted to compete in accordance with their gender identity, referencing state laws established in 2013.
The Trump administration intensified the matter in June, asserting California’s actions violated federal law by allowing transgender girls to compete on girls’ teams, claiming it was a “clear violation” of Title IX after conducting two investigations.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has found a way to provoke Trump by mimicking his social media style, drawing more media attention as he engages with the president’s controversies online.
Requests for comment from Newsom’s office regarding Trump’s funding threat went unanswered promptly.
