trump Threatens to Cut California Funding Over transgender ‍Athlete Policy

‍ ​ Updated May 27, 2025
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President Trump‍ threatened⁤ Tuesday to withhold federal funding from California, ‍escalating a dispute over the state’s policy regarding transgender athletes⁢ in women’s sports. the move ⁢marks the latest clash between the administration and the state, adding to existing⁢ tensions over diversity, equity ​and inclusion programs.

Trump voiced his ​disapproval in ⁤a Truth Social post, accusing​ California, under Gov. Gavin Newsom, of “ILLEGALLY” ‍allowing men to compete in women’s sports. He specifically referenced a California high school junior who​ recently ⁤won the girls’ ⁢long jump and triple jump at a state meet.

This action follows a similar⁣ move last month, when Trump initiated⁣ a process to strip Maine of federal education dollars over a similar disagreement with Gov. Janet Mills. That dispute is‌ now in court.

Newsom, unlike ⁣Mills, has publicly stated that it is “deeply unfair” for biological males to compete⁢ in ​women’s sports,‌ though he has not yet responded to Trump’s post. In April, Newsom said he was open to discussing a law restricting ⁣transgender athletes,‌ acknowledging the issue has been “weaponized ⁢by conservatives.”

‌ ​​ “You’re ‌talking about a very small number of people, a⁢ very small number of athletes, and my ‌obligation is to address the pressing ‍issues of our time,” ⁣Newsom said in April.

The governor added that he would welcome⁤ conversations that ⁣prioritize “the humanity around that conversation,​ not ⁤the politics.”

This is not the first​ time the Trump administration has threatened to cut funding to California. In April, the U.S.Department of​ Agriculture conditioned aid on compliance with‌ trump directives, citing a ‍federal examination into a state law protecting transgender student rights. California also defied ⁢a Trump ⁤order to certify the ⁤end of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools, risking billions in education funding.

It remains unclear whether Trump’s latest threat targets only​ education funding or broader federal support, including disaster relief and food aid.Newsom has ⁤noted that California contributes ⁣more ‌in federal tax revenue than ‌it receives in support. However, the state relies on significant federal funding, including an estimated $16.3 billion annually for education, or about $2,750 per K-12 student. this includes funding for school meals, students with disabilities, ‍and Head Start⁣ programs.

California also receives over $2.1 billion in title I grants to address poverty, with ⁤Los Angeles ⁤Unified receiving⁤ about ⁣$417 million, according to‍ the California Department of Education.

What’s⁣ next

The situation remains ⁤fluid, with potential legal challenges and further negotiations between the state and federal government. The impact ‍on California’s education system​ and other federally funded programs‍ remains uncertain.