California high school sports body forced to revise entry rules after Trump threatens funding cut over trans teen athlete

WASHINGTON — The governing body for California high school sports yesterday said it would change its entry rules to allow more female athletes in this week’s track and field championships, after demands from President Donald Trump to stop a transgender girl from competing.

Earlier in the day, Trump had threatened to withhold federal funding if California did not stop a transgender girl in high school from competing in state track and field finals, and said he would discuss it with Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday.

According to NBC-affiliated KCRA TV station, Newsom’s office clarified that the new California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) pilot entry process also means events this weekend will score separately for transgender students.

“CIF’s proposed pilot is a reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness,” the TV station quoted Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for Newsom, as saying.