trump Threatens to Cut California Funding Over transgender ‍Athlete Policy

‍ Updated May 27, 2025

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.