In a significant development following President Trump's social media threats, California’s high school sports governing body, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), has announced a new policy that will allow cisgender female track athletes who lost their qualifying positions to transgender competitors to participate in the upcoming state championship. This decision was made public on Tuesday, just hours after Trump threatened to withhold billions of dollars in federal education funding from California unless officials blocked a transgender female athlete from competing at the State Track and Field Championships in Clovis next weekend.
The CIF stated, “The CIF believes this pilot entry process achieves the participation opportunities we seek to afford our student-athletes.” This new policy was reportedly established prior to Trump’s threats, according to Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for the governor’s office. The exact number of athletes impacted by this rule change remains unclear, but it is believed that the president's comments specifically targeted a transgender high school athlete from Riverside County who recently excelled in long jump and triple jump competitions, as reported by Politico.
Trump's remarks included accusations that the athlete in question was a “less than average competitor” as a male but “practically unbeatable” as a female. He declared, “THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS.” Furthermore, he warned that federal funding would be withheld if California did not adhere to his demands regarding transgender athletes, referencing a February executive order aimed at “rescinding all funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities.”
Democratic state Senator Scott Wiener from San Francisco strongly condemned Trump’s statements, labeling the threat as illegal and calling for California to challenge it in court if necessary. He remarked, “Unfortunately, this is just another chapter in Donald Trump’s war on transgender people,” and emphasized that the president should allow California to manage its own sports programs without interference. Wiener pointed out that Trump’s actions reflect a disregard for the true issues at hand, stating, “He could care less about girls and women’s sports.”
Under California law enacted in 2013, public schools must permit students to participate in school activities and sports teams that align with their gender identity. Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously sparked controversy with his comments on fairness in regards to transgender athletes in girls' sports, appears to be supportive of the CIF's recent rule change. Gardon commented, “CIF’s proposed pilot is a reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness — a model worth pursuing.”
Trump’s latest threats against California are part of a broader pattern, as both Maine and Minnesota have successfully sued the administration to prevent the suspension of federal education funding over similar policies. In March, the White House froze $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania due to its policies regarding transgender athletes. Wiener asserted that states facing pressure from the Trump administration must remain steadfast in their commitment to equality, describing the situation as part of a larger battle against “fascism.”
“What Trump is doing is illegal,” Wiener stated emphatically. “Trump is not the king. He doesn’t get to make up the law, and he does not have the authority to revoke this funding.” Since taking office, Trump has frequently targeted California over its policies designed to protect marginalized groups, including transgender and undocumented students. Wiener concluded by likening Trump’s tactics to those of a bully, stating, “They demand things… and they tell you if you don’t do what they demand, they are going to take your lunch money.” He emphasized the importance of standing firm against such intimidation.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender rights in sports, emphasizing the need for equitable policies that respect the identities and rights of all athletes, regardless of their gender identity.
