Judge tosses Trump trans athlete suit
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The gist
A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit against California's trans-inclusive school sports policy. The ruling blocks the DoJ from forcing the state to ban trans girls from girls' teams.
Background
California has allowed transgender girls to play on girls' school sports teams since 2013, a policy that has been largely uncontroversial until recent years. In July 2025, the Trump administration sued the state, arguing the policy violated Title IX, a federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in schools. The lawsuit targeted five trans girls and sought to force California to ban them from girls' teams as a condition of federal funding. The dismissal is a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates and a setback for the administration's efforts to restrict trans participation in sports.
How it unfolded
- 2013California adopts policy allowing trans girls to play on girls' school sports teams.
- Jul 2025Trump administration sues California, alleging the policy violates Title IX and seeking to force a ban on trans girls in girls' sports.
- Jun 30, 2026US Supreme Court upholds Republican-backed laws in West Virginia and Idaho that bar trans girls from girls' teams, but the ruling is narrow and does not mandate a national ban.
- Sep 1, 2026US District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela dismisses the DoJ's lawsuit against California, ruling the federal government failed to provide clear notice that funding was contingent on banning trans girls from sports.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- A DoJ spokesperson expressed disappointment and said the department is 'evaluating our options for appeal,' remaining committed to enforcing President Trump's agenda.
- Support
- Rainbow Families Action, a California group supporting trans youth, celebrated the ruling, saying it 'lifts a significant shadow' over girls' and women's sports in the state.
Still unverified
The DoJ's potential appeal is not yet confirmed; the department said it is 'evaluating our options.'