Photo: LPETTET / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images
President Donald Trump threatened to cut federal funding to California if the state continues to allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. In a Truth Social post on Tuesday (May 27), Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of "illegally" permitting transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. Trump referred to a recent event where a transgender athlete won in the girls' triple jump and long jump competitions at the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Masters Meet, qualifying for the state finals.
According to USA Today, Trump warned that federal funding could be withheld if his executive order, which aims to bar transgender student athletes from participating in women’s sports, is not enforced. He also instructed local authorities to prevent the athlete from competing in the upcoming state finals.
The California Interscholastic Federation responded by expanding participation in the state track and field championship to include any biological female student athlete who would have qualified if the transgender athlete had not competed. Newsom's communications director, Izzy Gardon, praised this decision as a "reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue."
California is one of 22 states that allow transgender athletes to compete in sports consistent with their gender identity.