California officials have revised the eligibility rules for its track and field state championships following President Donald Trump’s threats to withhold federal funding. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has implemented a pilot program for the 2025 state championships, allowing additional female athletes who missed qualifying due to a trans athlete’s participation to compete. The change comes amid ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports.
The CIF made the decision at the end of the CIF Masters Qualifiers round, days before Trump’s recent post. The federation’s statement emphasized compliance with California law, ensuring that all student-athletes are provided fair opportunities. The pilot entry process aims to include biological female athletes who narrowly missed the qualification mark, creating a more inclusive and equitable competition environment.
This adjustment follows a federal Title IX investigation by the U.S. Department of Education, which has scrutinized the CIF’s practices regarding transgender athletes in female sports. The recent changes may impact several competitors, allowing at least two additional athletes to qualify for the state title after missing the typical threshold. A trans-identified athlete from Jurupa Valley High School achieved top positions in the triple jump and long jump, prompting Trump’s intervention on social media.
The Jurupa Unified School District has reiterated its commitment to following both state law and CIF policy, ensuring that all students have the right to participate in athletic activities according to their gender identity. Governor Gavin Newsom praised the CIF’s approach, highlighting its balance between fairness and inclusivity. This incident adds to a broader national debate on trans athletes in female sports, with similar controversies unfolding in states like Maine, where the Trump administration has also been actively involved.