in Politics, Sports, Trump

Trump Admin Sues California Over Transgender Athlete Policy

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed suit against California on Wednesday, accusing the state of violating Title IX by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ scholastic sports.

“Title IX was enacted to shield women and girls from discrimination,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “California’s policy robs female athletes of earned trophies, scholarships, and even physical safety. The Administration will not tolerate it.”

Background

  • June 25: The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concluded separate investigations into the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

  • Findings: OCR declared both entities out of compliance with Title IX.

  • Offer: Federal officials drafted a resolution agreement giving CDE and CIF ten days to ban male athletes from girls’ competition or face legal action.

  • July 8: California rejected the agreement. OCR referred the matter to the DOJ, triggering Wednesday’s lawsuit.

Key Points in the Complaint

  1. Athletic Equity – DOJ alleges that California’s rules “eviscerate” fair play by forcing girls to compete against biologically stronger athletes.

  2. Hostile Environment – The suit claims girls are subjected to uncomfortable or unsafe locker-room conditions, denying them equal educational access.

  3. Governor’s Statement – The filing quotes Gov. Gavin Newsom’s March podcast admission that male participation in girls’ sports was “deeply unfair,” arguing the state is ignoring its own leader’s assessment.

Political Context

  • Newsom’s remarks were seen as an attempt to moderate his record amid speculation about higher office.

  • The DOJ now aims to overturn California’s policy and force the state to comply with federal law.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the action reflects President Trump’s “promises made, promises kept” approach: “We informed Governor Newsom of our findings, he refused to act, so we did.”