Trump Administration Shifts Focus to California Universities
California university funding cuts reflect the Trump administration’s broader push to reshape U.S. higher education. In a new phase of its education policy agenda, Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed that the administration is considering cutting federal funding to California universities, citing alleged Title IX violations.
“Men are participating in women’s sports, which clearly violates Title IX,” McMahon said Tuesday in a Bloomberg interview.
The remarks come amid ongoing conservative backlash against transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports.
Title IX at the Center of Controversy
McMahon and the Trump administration argue that California’s support of transgender athletes in women’s sports violates federal Title IX rules, which prohibit sex-based discrimination in education.
Earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” declaring transgender participation in women’s sports a violation of Title IX.
Meanwhile, California officials, including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, insist they are complying with state law, which ensures student-athletes may compete according to their gender identity.
DOJ Investigates California Law
Following Trump’s public threats, the Department of Justice launched a formal investigation into California’s School Success and Opportunity Act, which prevents schools from excluding transgender students from sports programs.
California has sued the DOJ in response, vowing to uphold inclusivity in athletics.
Funding on the Line
The administration is reportedly weighing the termination of formula grants and other federal funds from both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. These institutions are major research hubs and economic drivers within the state.
“It’s right that we make them aware that that is a risk they run,” said McMahon, confirming the administration is targeting grant funding formulas.
Harvard and Columbia Earn Praise
In contrast to its stance on California, the administration appears more optimistic about its engagements with Harvard and Columbia.
McMahon said both Ivy League institutions have shown “progress” in responding to campus issues, particularly around antisemitism and campus unrest.
“They’ve already put in place some of the things we talked about,” McMahon said, citing changes in leadership and increased scrutiny of student activism.
Federal officials are negotiating with Columbia University and may impose a consent decree to oversee campus management practices.
Conditional Restoration of Funding
McMahon noted that federal funding could resume if schools comply with federal laws and expectations.
“It would be my goal that if universities are abiding by the laws… they could expect to have taxpayer-funded programs,” she stated.
The remarks illustrate the administration’s broader approach—using federal dollars as leverage to push cultural and political priorities on college campuses.
Source: CNN
