President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Governor Gavin Newsom and the state of California in response to a transgender high school athlete’s involvement in girls’ sports.
In his Truth Social post on June 2, 2025, Trump stated that allowing a biologically male to compete in the girls’ state finals despite his previous warning would warrant large-scale fines.
“A biological male competed in California Girls State Finals, winning big, even though I warned them not to do so. As Governor Gavin Newscum fully understands, large-scale fines will be imposed!” he posted.
Further, the US president threatened to cut funding to California if the state does not bar transgender students from participating in girls’ sports.
Trump Warns California Over Transgender Athletes in Sports
“As Governor Gavin Newscum fully understands, large-scale fines will be imposed,” Trump said in his post.
AB Hernandez competed over the weekend under a potentially groundbreaking rule change implemented by a high school sports authority, possibly the first of its kind nationwide.
Additionally, Hernandez secured gold in the girls’ high jump, achieved second place in the long jump, and emerged as a formidable contender in the triple jump.
The rule was amended, representing an effort to strike a balance in the ongoing debate regarding the participation of transgender girls in youth sports.
Also Read: Kenyan Police Fate Unclear as Trump Ally Proposes Alternative Security Mission in Haiti
California Rule on Transgender
A 2013 law in California requires public schools to allow students to join sports teams and school activities that align with their gender identity.
Kel O’Hara, a senior attorney at Equal Rights Advocates, a group that fights for gender equality, said even if the resolution against transgender students is never enforced, it still sends a harmful message.
“Discriminating against transgender students can hurt their mental health and school performance,” O’Hara said.
Additionally, calling transgender girls “boys in girls’ sports” denies their identity and spreads harmful ideas.
Also Read: Trump Govt Moves to Cut $100M in Harvard Funding
Identifying as Transgender
According to the CDC, about 3.3% of high school students identified as transgender in 2023. Only a small number of students, regardless of gender, are top athletes.
O’Hara pointed out that most transgender students who join sports do so for friendship and to be part of a team, not to gain an edge.
Further, they stated that focusing so much on transgender girls in sports takes attention away from bigger issues, like the lack of funding and support for girls’ teams in general.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
