California Governor Gavin Newsom gives remarks at the Center for American Progress Ideas Conference at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 19, 2026. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon
(Washington, DC) – The Trump administration is taking California to court over rules allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports.
According to reports, the lawsuit argues that California is violating federal protections for female athletes by forcing girls to compete against biological males in school sports. The administration says the state’s policy puts female students at an unfair disadvantage and undermines the purpose of women’s athletics.
The legal fight is the latest clash between the White House and deep-blue states over transgender policy, education rules and civil rights enforcement. California officials have defended their approach as inclusive, while critics argue the state is ignoring basic fairness and safety concerns for girls.
The case could become one of the biggest national tests of how far states can go in setting their own school sports policies when federal officials say those policies conflict with protections for female students.
For President Trump, the lawsuit also gives his administration another high-profile front in its broader push against gender ideology in schools and public institutions.
No final ruling has been issued, but the case is already drawing national attention as parents, athletes and lawmakers continue battling over who should be allowed to compete in girls’ sports.
