Written by Ashton Snyder on
 June 1, 2025

Trans athlete competes in California state events despite Trump warnings

Controversy surrounded California's recent state track and field championship as a transgender athlete claimed top honors in the girls' events, igniting a national debate.

The California Interscholastic Federation permitted AB Hernandez to compete in girls' events, despite President Donald Trump's warnings against such participation in female sports. The decision led to protests and an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into California's conduct, as Fox News reports.

The debate commenced when Hernandez, a transgender student athlete, competed in high-profile events at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Clovis on Saturday. The competition witnessed Hernandez winning first place in the high jump and triple jump categories. Additionally, Hernandez secured second place in the high jump, trailing behind competitor Loren Webster of Woodrow Wilson High School.

Trump's response, federal probe

Despite federal warnings, California's decision to allow Hernandez's participation was fiercely defended by the California Interscholastic Federation, which adjusted its rules to award medals based on standings among female-only competitors. Trump had previously cautioned California, warning against transgender participation in girls' sports and threatening to withdraw funding from the state.

Compounding the controversy, the U.S. Department of Justice is scrutinizing California's actions to assess compliance with federal regulations. The Department of Education is also conducting its inquiry to understand the state's handling of transgender athlete participation in school sports.

Protests unfold at event

The championship event was marred by protests from various groups, with demonstrators advocating for both LGBTQ rights and female athletes' rights. Tensions escalated into a sudden act of violence when LGBTQ protester Ethan Kroll allegedly assaulted conservative activist Josh Fulfer, resulting in Kroll's subsequent arrest.

Adding to the dramatic atmosphere, aerial demonstrations took place at the stadium, with a plane showcasing a provocative banner that read, "No Boys in Girls' Sports!" Participants on-site also experienced encounters with security personnel. For instance, Sophia Lorey was escorted out after distributing "Save Girls' Sports" wristbands and fliers, prompting further controversy.

Newsom's stance, wider implications

Gov. Gavin Newsom faced significant criticism for his stance in support of eligibility for transgender athletes, though he acknowledged concerns about fairness in competition. During a recent podcast, Newsom remarked that allowing male competitors in female sports was fundamentally unjust.

The issue of transgender athlete participation extends beyond California's borders, as similar debates occurred in other states, including Maine, Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota, over the weekend. Each state grappled with the complexities and emotions surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls' sports.

Trump's attempt to mandate exclusive gender-based sports participation came in the form of the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order, which he signed on Feb. 5. This executive order aimed to limit eligibility strictly, yet several Democratic states, including California, defied its stipulations and continued to recognize transgender athletes.

Reactions pour in

Reacting to the events in Clovis, Clovis Police Sergeant Chris Hutchison emphasized the department's responsibility to maintain peace while respecting individuals' constitutional rights. "Our stance is always to allow people to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and protest. They have a right to do it in a manner that isn't inciting violence or causing other problems," Hutchison noted, firmly condemning any violent actions.

Participants at the event conveyed mixed emotions, with some expressing concerns about the enforcement of rules regarding the distribution of materials. Sophia Lorey recounted her experience, stating, "We handed out half-page fliers at the prelims event and we were not told anything that we couldn't do that."

Despite the contentious atmosphere, the California championship concluded with a renewed focus on addressing the broader implications of transgender athlete participation. As the national debate intensifies, stakeholders continue to navigate the challenging terrain of balancing inclusivity, fairness, and compliance with federal legislation.

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About Ashton Snyder

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