Trump Administration Issues Warning to California as Trans Athlete Excels in State Track and Field Championship

President Donald Trump's administration has issued a formal warning to California Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), and Jurupa Valley High School ahead of a contentious track and field postseason meet. At the center of the controversy is a biologically male transgender athlete set to compete in the girls' category, reigniting fierce debate over the inclusion of trans athletes in women's sports.

The U.S. Department of Education has expressed strong disapproval over both the participation of the trans athlete in Saturday's CIF Southern Sectional Division 3 Final and the reported removal of "Protect Girls Sports" shirts worn by competitors at last weekend’s preliminaries. Julie Hartman, a department spokeswoman, criticized what she called the "flouting of federal civil rights law" and alleged retaliation against protesting female athletes.

Currently, the CIF is under investigation for potential violations of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, including athletics. The Department of Education stated its ongoing commitment to protecting women’s civil rights, emphasizing that their probe into CIF's policies remains active.

Trans Athlete's Participation Sparks Outcry

The controversy escalated after a Jurupa Valley High School student—who identifies as transgender—qualified to compete in the high jump, triple jump, and long jump, taking the top spot in triple jump and finishing in the top nine in other events. As a result, three female athletes were kept from advancing to the finals.

Some competitors scheduled to face the trans athlete have spoken out. Julia Teven, a 17-year-old from Brea Olinda, acknowledged the trans athlete’s impressive performances in unofficial settings but clarified that her concerns lie with institutional policy rather than the athlete. “I genuinely believe he doesn’t have a harmful intent towards girls sports,” Teven explained. “I think it's the CIF allowing him that's kind of put him in this position.”

Reese Hogan, a 16-year-old from Crean Lutheran, echoed these sentiments after finishing third in triple jump behind the trans athlete. "It's pretty obvious the certain advantages that he has, and it's obviously just sad as a woman to watch that," Hogan remarked. Fellow competitor Olivia Viola added that the responsibility lies with those in authority, not individual athletes: “I don't want the protests to be turned against this athlete… I do think most of us want it to be turned against the people in authority and the adults who need to stand up for us and CIF.”

Protests and Policy Disputes

Tensions have been high at recent meets, fueled by hours-long heat delays and visible protests. Activists, students, parents, and public officials openly criticized CIF and state government decisions at a live press conference during the last event.

• CIF officials required the removal of "Protect Girls Sports" shirts, citing standard apparel policies, though some witnesses contend that enforcement was selective.
• Video footage showed spectators vocally opposed to the trans athlete, while others offered support, creating a polarizing atmosphere in the stands.

The issue has also drawn responses from California's faith-based schools. Three Christian high schools—JSerra Catholic, Orange Lutheran, and Crean Lutheran—have jointly condemned CIF's gender identity policy, arguing that it forces religious institutions to compromise their beliefs by facilitating the policy on athletic fields.

State Law and Ongoing Debate

The Jurupa Unified School District affirmed its adherence to both California law and CIF policy, which allow students to compete consistent with their gender identity regardless of official records. “JUSD remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of the students we serve, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws,” the district said in a statement.

California, a pioneer in transgender athlete inclusion, has faced multiple confrontations in recent years over similar issues in girls’ volleyball, basketball, and cross-country, some resulting in game forfeits and legal challenges.

Governor Newsom recently addressed the fairness question directly, admitting the complexity and lack of easy answers. While acknowledging that the situation is "deeply unfair," he emphasized the need for empathy toward vulnerable communities and called for a balanced and respectful approach.

As Saturday’s finals approach, parent groups and activists are planning further demonstrations. The case has become a defining flashpoint in the ongoing national debate about fairness, inclusion, and the future of women’s sports.