White House Calls California Governor “Truly Sick” Over Trans Athlete Policy

Context California’s 2013 law (AB 1266) requires schools to let students participate in sex‑segregated sports consistent with their gender identity. The statute places California among 22 states with similar rules. The policy has drawn national attention each year as trans athletes qualify for girls’ track and field events.

Key Facts - A White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Newsom “has no regard for fairness, dignity, and respect,” adding that allowing biological males to compete “limits women’s opportunities and jeopardizes their health and safety.” - The comment coincides with a planned “Save Girls Sports” protest at the California Interscholastic Southern Section girls’ track meet in Yorba Linda, where a Jurupa Valley High School trans athlete will compete after winning multiple events last season. - The Trump administration filed a lawsuit in July against California state agencies, alleging the law violates Title IX, the federal civil‑rights provision that bars sex discrimination in education. The suit follows the athlete’s recent victories in triple jump, high jump and long jump. - In September, Governor Newsom’s legal affairs secretary, David Sapp, circulated the governor’s motion to dismiss the DOJ suit to district officials, indicating the state is actively defending the law.

What It Means The White House’s harsh language signals a shift from policy critique to personal attack, likely aimed at rallying conservative opposition ahead of the upcoming postseason. The DOJ lawsuit remains pending; a dismissal could set a precedent for other states with similar statutes. Meanwhile, the protest and the athlete’s participation will keep the issue in the public eye, testing how schools balance inclusion with claims of competitive equity.

Looking ahead, the outcome of the Title IX case and the response from California’s education system will shape the national debate over transgender participation in school sports.