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President Donald Trump vowed Thursday to strip federal funding from California school districts that continue to promote transgender policies in defiance of his administration’s directives.
“Any California school district that doesn’t adhere to our transgender policies, will not be funded,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The message came shortly after another post targeting California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whom Trump referred to as “Gavin Newscum.”
“Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls,” Trump said. “He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!! President DJT.”
Trump’s comments build on his administration’s executive actions against gender ideology in schools. On his first day back in office, he signed an order titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government.”
“Agencies shall take all necessary steps, as permitted by law, to end the federal funding of gender ideology,” the order stated. “Federal funds shall not be used to promote gender ideology.”
The directive also instructed federal agencies to review grant conditions to ensure taxpayer money was not used to advance such policies.
In February, Trump signed a measure prohibiting federal funding for schools that allow transgender women and girls to compete in female athletics.
The administration has clashed repeatedly with California over the issue. In July, the Justice Department sued the state, arguing that its policy permitting transgender athletes in girls’ sports violated federal anti-discrimination laws.
Most U.S. school funding comes from state and local sources, but federal money supports programs such as Title I for low-income students, special education grants and school nutrition programs. Withholding those funds could significantly affect school operations, though legal challenges are expected if Trump follows through on his threat.
The vow is the latest in Trump’s battle against gender ideology, as well as his broader political feud with Newsom.