Trump Administration Pauses $175M Funding to UPenn Over Trans Athletes Inclusion

The Trump administration has put a hold on $175 million in federal funding to the prestigious University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) due to its inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. This decision comes amidst an investigation into potential Title IX violations, as reported by FOX Business.

With an annual federal funding receipt of approximately $1 billion, the pause represents a significant portion of UPenn’s government support. However, this withheld funding is not directly tied to the investigation, which was announced after President Trump signed the 'Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports' executive order in early February.

Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, revealed that UPenn is one of three institutions under scrutiny. The others include San Jose State University, which faced backlash last fall for having a transgender athlete on its women’s volleyball team, and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.

UPenn’s involvement in this controversy dates back to 2022, when Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer, joined the women’s team and clinched a national championship in the 500-yard freestyle. Thomas’ participation in women’s sports has been a lightning rod for debate, sparking discussions about fairness and the definition of inclusivity in athletics.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Thomas tied with former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle at the same championship. However, during the awards ceremony, only Thomas received the trophy, which didn’t exactly calm the storm of criticism.

The situation at UPenn is part of a broader national debate. Recently, the Trump administration temporarily paused funding to the University of Maine System over similar issues, though it was later reversed. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois has called for federal funding cuts to an Illinois school district following allegations that girls were forced to change in front of a transgender student in a locker room.

UPenn has issued multiple statements addressing the potential funding freeze but has not publicly commented on the latest developments. The university braces for what could be a significant financial impact as this investigation unfolds.