Trump Administration Freezes $175M In UPenn Funding

The Trump administration is halting $175 million in taxpayer dollars to the University of Pennsylvania because it disregarded the president’s executive directive and permitted transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports.

This funding constitutes almost one-fifth of the Ivy League institution’s total federal allocations received last year. Those disbursements were provided by the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services, as reported by FOX Business.

“Promises made, promises kept,” the White House’s account declared on X Wednesday, March 19.

UPenn accepted approximately $1 billion in federal support in 2024, but additional public funds might be withdrawn as part of a wider investigation by the Trump administration into other potential Title IX infractions overseen by the Department of Education.

Trump, aged 78, issued an executive order called “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” on Feb. 5 prior to the start of those inquiries.

The prestigious university became the focal point of the debate surrounding transgender athlete involvement after one of its male swimmers switched genders and joined the women’s squad before proceeding to secure an NCAA Division I championship.

Trans swimmer Lia Thomas claimed victory in the women’s 500-yard freestyle after transitioning prior to the 2022 season.

Thomas also finished in a tie for fifth place alongside University of Kentucky female swimmer Riley Gaines, who has since emerged as a vocal critic of trans athlete participation 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 shared Wednesday, March 19, on X.

“Today, the Trump administration paused $175M in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania for this reason. Serendipitous.”

The Department of Education is also scrutinizing San Jose State University for Title IX concerns after it permitted a trans volleyball player to compete on its women’s team.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association might also have violated the federal sex-based nondiscrimination statute.

This action by Trump administration officials follows the president’s decision to target universities in Maine over possible Title IX breaches.

Last month, the commander-in-chief initiated an investigation that could result in Maine schools losing $250 million in yearly federal funding.

Trump had criticized the state’s Democratic Gov. Janet Mills regarding transgender athletic policies during a governors’ summit at the White House in February.

“You better comply! Because otherwise, you’re not getting any federal funding,” he warned Mills.

The Maine governor retorted: “See you in court!”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli