President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from California unless the state stops a transgender high school student from competing in track and field finals. His post on social media targeted a 16-year-old girl—AB Hernandez—by name, accusing her of “demeaning women and girls.” He also announced he had ordered local officials to block her from competing.
Here’s the thing: the president doesn’t have the power to do that. State and local officials are not subject to presidential orders, and any attempt to punish a state financially for not following an unconstitutional directive will almost certainly end up in court.
But the goal here isn’t policy. It’s intimidation.
When Trump Calls the Cops for Cis Feelings
Hernandez, who qualified for the long jump, high jump, and triple jump at the CIF state championships in Clovis, California, has become a lightning rod for the far right’s obsession with trans athletes. California law is clear: students are allowed to participate in school sports according to their gender identity. The CIF echoed that policy. Still, that hasn’t stopped Trump from using her as a political punching bag.
In a post filled with dog whistles and all-caps rage, Trump warned of “large scale Federal Funding” being withheld “maybe permanently” if California doesn’t comply. He also took a swing at Governor Gavin Newsom, calling him a “Radical Left Democrat.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 27, 2025
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The Student at the Center of It All
AB Hernandez has spoken out in her own defense.
“All I thought was, I don’t think you understand that this puts your idiotic claims to trash,” she said, after placing first in one event, but not placing high in others.
In other words: she’s not dominating. She’s competing. Like any other teen would.
Hernandez’s critics claim she has an unfair advantage. Her defenders say what’s really happening is bullying—of a teenager. And they’re not wrong.
CIF’s Controversial Response
In a bizarre move, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) announced on Tuesday that it would allow additional “biological female” athletes to compete in this weekend’s state finals—effectively changing the rules at the last minute. The organization didn’t mention Hernandez directly, but the timing wasn’t subtle.
For some, it felt like a compromise. For others, it felt like a betrayal.
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Bigger Than One Race
This isn’t just about one track meet. This is about weaponizing the federal government to target queer and trans youth. It’s about threatening public schools and local governments who refuse to discriminate. It’s about sending a message: if you’re trans, you’re not safe—not even when you follow the rules.
And for what? To win points in an election cycle? To distract from policy failures? To make an example out of a teenager?
No one should have to grow up under that kind of spotlight. Especially not just for daring to live as themselves.