In a fiery post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump launched into a transphobic tirade directed at California Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he mockingly referred to as “Newscum.”
Trump condemned the state’s policies on transgender athletes and issued a controversial directive threatening to withhold federal funding unless California complies with federal standards, as he interprets them, regarding women’s sports.
“Large scale Federal Funding will be held back”
The post came in response to recent headlines involving a transgender athlete who won multiple events at a major high school track competition in California. The athlete, a trans girl who had previously competed as a male without distinction, dominated several races, qualifying for the upcoming state finals. Critics argue that her physical advantages create an uneven playing field, reigniting the nationwide debate over transgender inclusion in women’s sports.
Trump declared that “California, under the leadership of Radical Left Democrat Gavin Newscum, continues to ILLEGALLY allow ‘MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS.’” He cited the recent athletic victory as an example of the “unfairness,” claiming that as a male the athlete was “less than average,” but “practically unbeatable” now in girls’ events. “THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS,” Trump wrote.
He then upped the ante, warning that “large scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to.”
Newsom’s trans athlete comments
“Gavin Newsom said it was unfair for boys to compete in girls sports, but he’s done nothing about it”: @JenniferSey fires back after a California trans athlete took first place at a key qualifying meet, earning a spot at the girls’ state track and field championships pic.twitter.com/0UZxM2ZGVZ
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) May 27, 2025
Most provocatively, Trump claimed that Governor Newsom “himself said it is ‘UNFAIR,’” referencing a statement Newsom made during a recent podcast interview. Newsom told Charlie Kirk on Newsom’s podcast, “It’s an issue of fairness.”
Newsom added, “I completely agree with you on that… It’s easy to call out the unfairness of that. There’s also a humility and a grace. You know that 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.”
Newsome continued, “So both things I can hold in my hand. How can we address this issue with the kind of decency that I think you know is inherent in you?”
Trump orders local authorities “get involved”
Despite Newsom’s nuanced position, Trump seized on the word “unfair” as an admission of fault and used it as justification to intervene directly. “I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go,” Trump said. “In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”
Trump’s directive to “local authorities” has no binding legal power, but it reflects the increasingly aggressive posture of right-wing leaders toward transgender rights. Conservative lawmakers in multiple states have passed laws barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports, claiming competitive imbalance and safety concerns.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have condemned Trump’s comments as dangerous and dehumanizing. “Trans youth deserve to play sports like any other kid,” said a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. “Trump’s rhetoric escalates discrimination and puts real people at risk.”
As the transgender athlete prepares to compete in the California State Finals, the spotlight intensifies not just on her performance but on a political battleground that extends far beyond the track.
