The president is directing local authorities to prevent a transgender athlete from competing against women in the upcoming state finals.
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump issued a warning to California on May 27 that he intends to rescind federal education funds if the state does not abide by his executive order that banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
He criticized officials, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, for allowing a male athlete to compete against women at an event last week, thus bumping a female competitor from the state finals next weekend.
“As a male, he was a less than average competitor. As a female, this transitioned person is practically unbeatable,” Trump wrote. “THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS.”
The president said he is directing law enforcement officials to prevent the unnamed athlete from competing in the upcoming event.
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He expressed an intent to speak with Newsom about the issue on Tuesday.
“The Governor, himself, said it is “UNFAIR.” I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go???” Trump wrote.
As of publication time, no updates have emerged from the White House or the governor’s office regarding the conversation.
The transgender athlete at issue was presumed to be AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley High School in Southern California, who won the girls’ long jump on May 17 with a distance of 20 feet, 1.5 inches, and the triple jump with a 41-foot, 4-inch jump, over 4 feet ahead of the runner-up.
“[The] proposed pilot is a reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness—a model worth pursuing,“ Izzy Gardon, spokesperson for Newsom’s office, told The Epoch Times by email. ”The governor is encouraged by this thoughtful approach.”
Newsom’s office also pointed to 21 other states with laws that permit transgender athletes to compete against others of the gender they identify with.
Newsom previously said that it is “deeply unfair” to allow male athletes identifying as transgender to compete with females.
“I revere sports, and so the issue of fairness is completely legit.”
He said navigating the issue is challenging because of the emotions involved.
“There’s also a humility and grace … that these poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression,” Newsom said.
The governor highlighted his commitment to compassionate leadership during a press conference in Modesto on April 2, noting the difficult nature of the issue.
“I don’t know there’s a bigger champion for LGBTQ rights as an executive in the country, and I mean that, that’s done more over the course of decades than I have,” Newsom said. “And so, I’m deeply sensitive and empathetic to the community.”
He suggested a solution that is fair for all sides has proven elusive.
“I haven’t been able to figure it out, and I’m about as transparent about this as anybody out there, particularly in my party, on this,” Newsom said. “And to the extent someone can and do it in a way that’s respectful and responsible and could find a kind of balance, then I’m open to that discussion.”
The governor also said state statistics show a small number of transgender athletes competing in California’s public K-12 school system, which includes 5.8 million students.
“You’re talking about a very small number of people, a very small number of athletes, and my responsibility is to address the pressing issues of our time,” Newsom said.
According to the governor’s office, fewer than 10 transgender college athletes are playing nationwide out of more than 510,000 in the NCAA.
