The Trump administration has announced a suspension of approximately $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) over its policies regarding transgender athletes. A senior White House official stated that this action is in response to the university's decision to allow transgender women to compete on women's sports teams, particularly referencing Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete who made headlines in 2022 when she competed on the women's swimming team and set multiple records.

The funding suspension is not directly related to a Title IX investigation initiated by the Department of Education into Penn's handling of transgender athletes but is part of a broader review of discretionary funding from the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services.

A spokesperson for Penn commented that the university has not received any formal notification regarding the funding freeze but emphasized that they are in full compliance with NCAA regulations. "We are aware of media reports suggesting a suspension of $175 million in federal funding to Penn, but have not yet received any official notification," Penn stated.

This funding cut follows President Trump's executive order aimed at preventing transgender women and girls from competing in female-only categories of sports, a move which has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that it discriminates against transgender individuals and infringes on their rights, while supporters claim it is necessary for the fairness of women's sports.

In addition to Penn, the Trump administration's stance has led to heightened scrutiny of numerous institutions across the country. The White House’s policy has been characterized as part of a larger campaign against transgender rights in sports and other areas of public life, jeopardizing substantial federal funding for educational programs. This includes recent funding cut threats to Columbia University and the University of Maine.

As discussions around transgender athletes become increasingly polarized, the University of Pennsylvania, President Trump's alma mater, continues to navigate the challenges posed by these federal actions, emphasizing its commitment to compliance with established sports policies across its programs.

For more detailed information on this developing story, follow the latest reports from The Hill.