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The Trump administration has frozen $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania for allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, defying the president's recent executive order. This move represents nearly one-fifth of the Ivy League university's federal funding received last year, primarily from the Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services.
"Promises made, promises kept," stated the White House's rapid response account on social media Wednesday. UPenn received approximately $1 billion in federal funds in 2024, with potentially more funding at risk as the administration investigates other possible Title IX violations.
President Trump, 78, signed an executive order titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" on February 5, 2025, before launching these investigations. The university has become a focal point in the transgender athlete debate after swimmer Lia Thomas, who transitioned genders, joined the women's team and won an NCAA Division I title in the 500-yard freestyle in 2022.
Thomas also tied for fifth place with University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who has since become an outspoken critic of transgender athlete inclusion in women's sports. "Three years ago to the day I raced and tied a man at the DI NCAA Championships in the 200 freestyle," Gaines posted Wednesday. "Today, the Trump administration paused $175M in federal funding to University Pennsylvania for this reason. Serendipitous."
The Department of Education is also investigating San Jose State University for allowing a transgender volleyball player to compete on its women's team, as well as the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association for potential Title IX violations.
UPenn officials have responded to media reports, stating: "We have not yet received any official notification or any details. It is important to note, however, that Penn has always followed NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding student participation on athletic teams. We remain in full compliance with the regulations that apply to Penn and all NCAA and Ivy League institutions."
This action follows the president's broader campaign targeting transgender athletic policies. Last month, Trump initiated an investigation that could result in Maine schools losing $250 million in annual federal funding. During a White House governors' summit in February, Trump warned Maine's Democratic Governor Janet Mills: "You better comply! Because otherwise you're not getting any federal funding."
Mills responded defiantly: "See you in court!"
As this controversy unfolds, the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports continues to intensify, with significant financial implications for educational institutions challenging the administration's policies.
