President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from California over a transgender athlete competing in girls' state championship events.
The president directly called out Governor Gavin Newsom on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday.
Trump accused California of violating his executive order that prohibits biological males from competing in women's sports.
The controversy centres on a transgender athlete who is set to compete in the girls' long jump and triple jump at the state championships next week.
Donald Trump has threatened to take funding from California
Reuters/PA
The transgender athlete has already demonstrated remarkable performance in regional competitions.
In the triple jump, the athlete recorded a distance of 40-04.75, compared to the runner-up's 39-06.00.
In the long jump, the athlete achieved 19-03.50, whilst the second-place competitor managed 19-00.75.
According to Fox News, the athlete was "a less than average competitor" when competing as a male, but is now "practically unbeatable" in girls' competitions.
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote: "California, under the leadership of Radical Left Democrat Gavin Newscum, continues to ILLEGALLY allow 'MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN'S SPORTS.'"
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The president added: "THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS.
"Please be hereby advised that large scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to."
Trump also claimed that Governor Newsom himself had previously acknowledged the situation was "unfair".
Governor Newsom has indeed previously expressed concerns about fairness in transgender sports participation.
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Donald Trump has insisted Gavin Newsom has defied his executive order that prohibits biological males from competing in women's sports
Reuters
In a conversation with conservative Charlie Kirk in March, Newsom stated: "I think it's an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness — it's deeply unfair."
However, the governor also emphasised compassion, noting: "These poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression.
"And the way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with as well."
Trump further escalated the situation by stating he would speak with Newsom directly about the issue.
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Donald Trump revealed his threats on Truth Social
Truth Social
"I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go??? In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals," he wrote.
The president's administration has already warned the California Interscholastic Federation and the athlete's high school about potential consequences.
The federation faced additional scrutiny when officials allegedly forced athletes to remove shirts reading "Protect Girls Sports" at a recent event.
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