U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at California, threatening to revoke federal funding over a single transgender student-athlete’s participation in a state track competition.
The controversy emerged following a Fox News segment that spotlighted AB Hernandez, a 16-year-old transgender girl who competed in a long jump event and outperformed a cisgender athlete. The incident drew attention from Trump, who took to Truth Social on Tuesday to deliver a warning filled with official-sounding rhetoric.
“Please be hereby advised that large-scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to,” Trump wrote, also threatening to send in law enforcement to prevent Hernandez from participating.
The incident Trump referenced took place at Yorba Linda High School, where Hernandez, who attends Jurupa Valley High School, was subjected to heckling from approximately 30 adults, including three school board members. Despite the hostility, Hernandez remained composed, telling Capital & Main, “I’m still a child, you’re an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person.”
Her presence has become a focal point for conservative backlash against transgender participation in youth sports. Despite claiming to have “nothing against this athlete as a person,” high school competitor Katie McGuiness’ loss to Hernandez in the long jump was used by conservative media as a rallying cry.
Trump escalated the issue, directing his ire toward California Governor Gavin Newsom—mockingly referring to him as “Newscum”—and stating, “The governor, himself, said it is ‘UNFAIR.’ I will speak to him today to see which way he wants to go???”
Newsom, a prominent Democrat and a potential presidential contender for 2028, did indeed speak on the issue in March on Charlie Kirk’s podcast, calling trans participation in women’s sports “deeply unfair.” However, he added that the discussion should be approached with “humility and grace,” acknowledging the significant mental health challenges faced by transgender youth.
In response to Trump’s threats, California State Senator Scott Wiener (D) likened them to those the former president made toward Maine earlier in the year over trans rights, in which Maine ultimately prevailed in court.
“He’s now targeting California just like he targeted Maine: Threatening federal funds if CA doesn’t follow his edicts targeting trans people,” Wiener posted. “CA law protects trans people. That won’t change. Maine won in court. So will CA. As Maine’s Governor said, ‘See you in court.’”
The legal and cultural clash underscores the intensifying national debate around transgender rights, particularly within youth sports.
