The Trump administration has decided to freeze $175 million in taxpayer funding allocated to the University of Pennsylvania due to the school’s noncompliance with the president’s executive order regarding transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
This funding represents nearly 20% of the federal money the Ivy League institution received last year, primarily from the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services, as reported by FOX Business.
On March 19, the White House’s official account stated, “Promises made, promises kept,” in reference to the funding suspension.
UPenn had received approximately $1 billion in federal funds in 2024, but the administration could withhold additional taxpayer money as part of a broader investigation into potential Title IX violations by the Department of Education.
Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order on February 5, prior to initiating these investigations.
The university has become a focal point in the debate over transgender athlete participation after a male swimmer transitioned and competed on the women’s team, ultimately winning an NCAA Division I title.
Lia Thomas, the trans swimmer, achieved victory in the women’s 500-yard freestyle following her transition before the 2022 season. She also tied for fifth place alongside Riley Gaines, a University of Kentucky swimmer who has since become a vocal opponent of transgender athlete inclusion in women’s sports.
On March 19, Gaines remarked on X, “Three years ago to the day I raced and tied a man at the DI NCAA Championships in the 200 freestyles. Today, the Trump administration paused $175M in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania for this reason. Serendipitous.”
In addition, the Department of Education is investigating San Jose State University over Title IX concerns after it allowed a transgender volleyball player to compete on its women’s team. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association is also under scrutiny for potential violations of the federal sex-based nondiscrimination law.
This action by the Trump administration follows earlier threats directed toward universities in Maine regarding potential Title IX violations. Last month, the president launched an investigation that could lead to Maine schools losing $250 million in annual federal funding.
During a governors’ summit at the White House in February, Trump criticized Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills for her stance on transgender athletic policies, stating, “You better comply! Because otherwise, you’re not getting any federal funding.”
Mills responded by saying, “See you in court!”
