Trump Threatens California Funding Over Transgender Athlete

California faces a potential loss of federal funding due to a controversy involving transgender athlete A.B. Hernandez's participation in the state's high school track and field championships. President Trump's administration has threatened to withhold funds if Hernandez is allowed to compete, citing concerns about fairness in women's sports. California has allowed transgender students to compete in categories aligning with their gender identity since 2013. In response to the controversy, the California Interscholastic Federation introduced a temporary rule that would add an extra slot for cisgender girls in competitions where a transgender girl also qualifies. "A biological female student-athlete who would have earned a specific placement on the podium will also be awarded the medal for that place," the federation stated. Hernandez, in an interview with Capital & Main, expressed that the protests surrounding her participation do not bother her. The Justice Department is currently investigating whether California's law allowing transgender girls to participate in girls' sports violates Title IX. This temporary solution aims to balance inclusivity and fairness, but the larger debate about transgender participation in sports continues.