Amid growing concern over potential federal education cuts in California, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has warned that the state is “at risk.” However, she did not clarify when any decision will be made or how deep the funding cuts might go.

Speaking in a Bloomberg interview, McMahon addressed the possibility of cutting federal grants to California’s public universities, citing alleged violations of Title IX, the federal law that bans gender-based discrimination in education.

Title IX Violations at the Center of the Debate

McMahon stated:

“In California, we’ve seen clear violations of Title IX with biological males competing in female sports. The president has made it clear that Title IX will be enforced.”

President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to pull federal funding from states like California that allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports alongside cisgender athletes. McMahon emphasized that failing to act on these violations would be seen as the federal government passively allowing non-compliance.

Justice Department Pressure and Legal Battles

The federal Justice Department has recently increased pressure on California’s school districts to ban transgender athletes from competing in sports categories matching their gender identity. In response, California officials argue their policies comply with both state and federal laws protecting gender identity rights.

California filed a lawsuit this week against the Justice Department, claiming federal overreach.

Widespread Concerns Over Federal Funding Cuts

Recent reports from CNN, Politico, and the Washington Post suggest that the Trump administration is preparing to freeze significant federal funding for California’s universities, research programs, and K-12 schools.

The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems are already facing hundreds of millions in grant reductions across federal agencies, including the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. Some of these cuts have already been challenged in court, with several cases still pending.

California Lawmakers Warn of Severe Consequences

Rep. Dave Min (D-Irvine) strongly criticized the possible cuts, calling them “political retaliation” and warning of their devastating effects on all California residents, regardless of political affiliation. In a letter to the administration, he wrote:

“Withholding congressionally approved funds would violate the separation of powers and dangerously undermine our democracy.”

The White House, while declining to confirm any final decisions, issued a statement last Friday saying:

“No taxpayer should be forced to fund policies that are anti-energy, pro-sanctuary, soft-on-crime, and support child mutilation. The Trump administration remains committed to restoring the California Dream but no final actions have been made.”

Federal Funding Streams at Stake

Among the most threatened funding programs are:

• Title I funds, which provide about $2.1 billion annually to California schools, including $460 million to Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), supporting low-income students.
• School meal programs, totaling $363 million to LAUSD, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• Special education funding, worth $1.33 billion yearly, including $177 million for LAUSD.

McMahon confirmed that California’s refusal to comply with Title IX guidelines could jeopardize these crucial funds.

“California’s blatant non-compliance puts them at serious risk. We must ensure they understand the consequences,” McMahon said.

California Defends Its Policies

California leaders continue to defend their stance, insisting that their policies fully respect gender identity rights and comply with both state and federal law.

Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hills Estates), head of the state Assembly’s Education Committee, stressed:

“The real victims of these actions would be students with disabilities, special needs, and those from low-income families. The president cannot unilaterally cut congressionally approved funds.”

Muratsuchi also highlighted the importance of continued federal research funding for UC and CSU systems, calling any cuts “tremendously damaging.”