Trump Administration Freezes $175 Million in Funding to University of Pennsylvania Over Transgender Athlete Policy

The Trump administration has suspended approximately $175 million in federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania, citing concerns over its policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. This decision follows an executive order signed by Trump in February that prohibits federal funding for programs permitting males to compete against female athletes. The funding freeze is reportedly linked to an investigation by the Education Department into whether Penn violated Title IX by allowing Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer, to compete on the women's team. University representatives assert that they have always complied with NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding athlete participation. The funding suspension reflects ongoing national debates surrounding transgender participation in sports, which have drawn significant public and political attention. Riley Gaines, a swimmer who competed against Thomas, has publicly praised the funding suspension as a victory for women's sports.