In a scathing midnight post on Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump vowed to impose “large scale fines” on the state of California after a biological male athlete, AB Hernandez, captured two state championships in girls’ track and field, defying a federal executive order signed earlier this year.
The incident, which has ignited a firestorm of national debate, occurred at the California State Girls Track and Field Finals, where Hernandez dominated the high jump and triple jump, and took second in the long jump.
“As Governor Gavin Newscum fully understands, large scale fines will be imposed!!!” Trump declared, holding California Governor Gavin Newsom personally accountable for allowing the violation.
Executive Order Ignored
In February 2025, President Trump issued a landmark executive order banning biological males from competing in female athletic competitions under federally funded programs. However, California and several other blue states have refused to comply, citing state-level protections for gender identity.
This week’s showdown comes after multiple warnings from the White House that noncompliance could lead to loss of federal funding.
“Large scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to,” Trump had stated just last week.
Despite this, California permitted Hernandez to compete in the state finals, prompting a sharp rebuke from the President:
“A Biological Male competed in California Girls State Finals, WINNING BIG, despite the fact that they were warned by me not to do so.”
Hernandez’s Victories Spark Protests, Chaos
The controversy surrounding AB Hernandez’s eligibility exploded into protests at the state meet, where women’s rights advocates clashed with LGBTQ activists. The heated altercations culminated in at least one arrest, after a demonstrator allegedly shattered a car window with a flag pole and assaulted a conservative attendee.
The victories by Hernandez not only reignited debate about fairness in women’s sports, but also prompted widespread outrage from female athletes and parents, many of whom have accused the California Interscholastic Federation of prioritizing ideology over biology.
Loren Webster of Woodrow Wilson High, the only female athlete to outperform Hernandez in any event, was hailed online as “the real state champion” by supporters of women’s sports.
Federal vs. State Collision Course
The standoff sets up a high-stakes legal and political battle between federal authority and California’s defiant leadership. Trump’s vow to withhold funding and levy fines could affect hundreds of millions in education, athletic, and Title IX-related funding, placing pressure on Governor Newsom to reverse course—or escalate the confrontation.
Conclusion: The Gender Debate Reaches a Breaking Point
The California finals have become the flashpoint in a growing national war over gender, sports, and federalism. With President Trump now taking punitive action, and states like California digging in their heels, the next chapter in this fight may be decided not just on the track—but in federal courtrooms and the 2026 ballot box.
Trump’s message is clear:
Biological males in girls’ sports will not be tolerated—and there will be consequences.
