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President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to the state of California, threatening to withdraw federal funding following allegations that Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom did not comply with an executive order on transgender athletes in school sports. Trump's discontent is seemingly focused on a transgender high school athlete from Southern California who recently won two regional titles in the girls' triple and long jump events.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump voiced his concerns about fairness in women’s sports, stating, "THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS." He warned of potential large-scale federal funding cuts if his administration’s executive order on the matter was ignored.

The president also called for local officials to bar the athlete from participating in future competitions, including the state finals. Trump mentioned Gavin Newsom by name, referencing the governor's earlier comments that hinted at Democrats being wrong in allowing transgender athletes in female sports due to fairness concerns. Trump left the matter open-ended, saying he planned to discuss the issue with Newsom directly.

This conflict traces back to Trump’s executive order signed in February that prohibited transgender student-athletes from competing in women’s sports. The order has sparked significant controversy, particularly with Democratic state leaders like Maine's Governor Janet Mills, who has not indicated compliance with the order. The Trump administration has initiated several probes into educational systems in defiant states, including steps to eliminate federal K-12 funding in Maine.

In March, Trump also slashed $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania due to its policies on transgender athletes. A recent poll reveals that 65 percent of likely voters in California believe transgender athletes should compete on sports teams that match their sex assigned at birth rather than their gender identity.

As of now, Governor Newsom’s office has not responded to Trump’s threats, leaving the future of federal funding for California hanging in the balance.