Trump Administration Demands California Ban Transgender Athletes or Lose Federal Funds

The Trump administration has ordered the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to prohibit transgender girls from competing in girls' sports, warning of imminent enforcement action and the potential loss of federal funding if the state does not comply within 10 days. The administration argues that allowing transgender girls to participate violates Title IX protections based on biological sex, reversing policies established under the Biden administration that protected transgender student athletes. This directive follows high-profile participation by AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete who won multiple awards at the California state track and field championship, prompting demands that Hernandez and other transgender athletes return their awards and that the state issue apologies to affected cisgender athletes. California officials reject the federal orders, affirming their commitment to state laws that allow transgender students to compete according to their gender identity and emphasizing the importance of inclusion and non-discrimination in education and sports. The administration's stance has sparked a legal and political conflict over the interpretation of Title IX and the rights of transgender youth in sports, with California joining other states resisting federal pressure to restrict transgender participation. Experts note this dispute reflects broader national tensions between federal authority and state laws protecting transgender rights.