Trump Critiques California Governor Over Transgender Athlete Policies
President Donald Trump’s administration has officially reached out to California’s Governor Gavin Newsom as a contentious women’s track and field postseason gets underway this weekend.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the White House press secretary expressed disapproval of Newsom’s decision to permit biologically male transgender athletes to compete in girls’ high school sports. The statement labeled Newsom as “a truly sick individual” lacking concern for fairness and safety in sports. If he truly cared, he would, as they say, restrict male participation in women’s competitions, which they argue undermines opportunities for female athletes.
The press secretary emphasized that Trump is advocating for “common-sense policies” aimed at supporting all athletes and ensuring fairness.
This statement came after Newsom’s office released its own remarks in response to plans for a “Save Girls Sports” protest scheduled for Saturday at the playoffs.
A source from the Governor’s office mentioned that Newsom believes discussions should focus on “fairness, dignity, and respect,” criticizing right-leaning narratives that attempt to hurt individual children through political means. Newsom’s stance, they noted, is straightforward: to defend all children and confront bullying behavior.
California is among 22 states with legislation mandating that students may participate in single-sex sports based on their gender identity, a law enacted in 2013 under Governor Jerry Brown.
This Saturday’s protest is spearheaded by former NCAA women’s soccer player Sophia Rowley and is set to take place at a qualifying site in Yorba Linda. Last season, transgender athletes from Jurupa Valley High School stood out, clinching two finals and are expected to compete again.
Rowley had organized a similar protest during last year’s tournament, which captured national attention. A previous disagreement between Trump and Newsom arose over a transgender athlete’s participation, leading Trump to request that California prevent the athlete from competing.
The chaotic state championships in Clovis last year were marked by protests, a trans activist’s arrest for allegedly assaulting a conservative protester, a plane flying a “Save Women’s Sports” banner, and Rowley being removed from the venue.
Legal Developments
In July, the Trump administration’s Justice Department filed a lawsuit against California for purported Title IX violations after a transgender athlete excelled in various track events. Moreover, in September, California Attorney General David Sapp sent emails to JUSD administrators about the ongoing legal issue.
These emails indicated that Sapp had shared information on the state’s motion to dismiss the case and reflected discussions with school officials regarding the matter.
Fox News Digital has requested documentation related to the mentioned September meeting, but the district reported having no records to provide.
An administrator noted that the recent discussions were informal without official records being kept. Furthermore, memos created by the district’s attorney are typically not shared due to legal privileges.
In January, Newsom’s office provided a statement clarifying Sapp’s interactions with JUSD administrators, stating that no directives were given about how to handle the transgender athlete situation.
The Trump administration has intensified investigations into JUSD, among others, focusing on potential Title IX violations.
