Trump threatens to withhold California’s federal funding over transgender athlete

Upon their arrival at Los Angeles International Airport in California on January 24, 2025, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were welcomed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to tour the area impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

President Trump recently warned California that it could lose a significant amount of federal funding if the state goes against his executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. The President threatened to withhold funding permanently if California continues to defy the order issued on February 5. He expressed his concerns on social media platform Truth Social, mentioning a transgender athlete who he claimed was nearly unbeatable in women’s sports. Trump stated that he might instruct local authorities to prevent the individual from participating in the State Finals. He also revealed plans to discuss the issue with Governor Newsom, a Democrat, later that day.

Although Trump did not name the athlete causing the controversy, AB Hernandez, a transgender high school student involved in girls’ track and field in California, has attracted media attention. In response to the situation, the California Interscholastic Federation announced a new “pilot entry process” to safeguard biological female student athletes from being displaced in the upcoming state track and field championships. The policy was established over the weekend before Trump’s remarks.

The President’s threat to cut off federal funding could have significant implications for California, as a substantial portion of the state’s budget is reliant on federal assistance. Trump has previously taken actions against institutions and states, such as canceling federal contracts with Harvard University and threatening to withhold funds from Maine over transgender sports participation. Governor Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, has criticized various Trump policies, including tariffs and immigration. While he has expressed concerns about the fairness of trans athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports, Newsom has also emphasized the need for a balanced approach to the issue.