Connect with us

Latest

Education Secretary Linda McMahon rips California trans athlete ‘compromise,’ tells Newsom to ‘pick a side’

Published

10 hours ago

on

Education Secretary Linda McMahon rejected California’s reintroduced policy for trans-identifying biological male athletes in girls’ sports, taking direct aim at both the state’s “shared podium” policy and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s public posture on the issue.

McMahon spoke with OutKick on Monday as the Department of Education continued to recognize June as “Title IX Month,” which the Trump administration is using to highlight its effort to restore sex-based protections in schools and athletics.

The secretary said the administration views Title IX as a protection for female athletes, not as a law that requires girls to compete against biological males.

“I think the president has made it crystal clear as to what he expects Title IX to be,” McMahon said. “That is the way it was originally drafted and is expected to be: girls are in girls’ sports and boys are in boys’ sports.”

The debate has also put renewed pressure on Newsom, who said in March 2025 that it was “deeply unfair” for males to compete in women’s sports but has not pushed California to reverse its policy allowing athletes to compete based on gender identity.

Asked what message she would send to Newsom, McMahon said the California governor cannot keep trying to straddle both sides of the issue.

“I think he needs to stick to one plan or the other,” McMahon said. “On the one hand, when he’s being interviewed, he’ll say that it’s totally unfair and men should not compete in women’s sports, and yet he does nothing about it in the state of California to make that stick. And so, he needs to pick a side and stick to it. He can’t have a foot in both camps.”

McMahon said Title IX was created to give women athletic opportunities they had long been denied.

“Title IX first came along to give women the opportunity to play in sports because they were shielded from it or prevented from going into sports,” McMahon said. “So Title IX really made sports accessible to all women and now that right is being infringed on by boys who are electing to be girls and I just don’t think that’s correct.”

Title IX, part of the Education Amendments of 1972, prohibits sex discrimination in education programs or activities that receive federal funding and has long been applied to athletic opportunity.

The Title IX fight has become especially prominent in California, where AB Hernandez, a biological male who identifies as a girl, competed in the girls’ division at the California state track and field championships over the weekend.

INSIDE THE LAST DANCE OF AB HERNANDEZ

Hernandez finished first in the girls’ high jump and triple jump, received first-place medals in both events and placed third in the long jump.

Amid backlash, the California Interscholastic Federation reintroduced a pilot policy allowing additional girls to receive podium spots or medals in events where they were displaced by a biological male athlete. OutKick asked McMahon whether she viewed that as a workable compromise.

“I don’t think it’s the right kind of compromise,” McMahon said. “I still believe that men should compete in men’s sports and women should compete in women’s sports, and they don’t have to share a podium. It is the winner of the event who earns the prize. And women should not have to compete against men.”

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE SLAMS CIF’S SHARED PODIUM RULE AS HUMILIATING RESPONSE THAT FAILS FEMALE COMPETITORS

The federal government has already escalated its fight with California over the issue. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights found in June 2025 that the California Department of Education and CIF violated Title IX, and the Justice Department sued California the following month.

The secretary also said Democrats have largely refused to confront what she views as the obvious consequences of those policies.

“I just think it’s another instance of a lot of Democrats who just don’t want to look at what the realities are and the fact that this administration is clearly making it known through the president’s executive order that men should not compete in women’s sports,” McMahon said.

McMahon said the issue extends beyond competition and into female-only spaces, including locker rooms, travel and lodging.

“It’s not just competing, it is also sharing their locker room facilities, et cetera, and traveling in buses and being in hotel rooms and all of those things,” McMahon said. “And it just puts women in a very awkward position.”

McMahon also pointed to a recent school dispute over locker room access, criticizing the idea that girls should be the ones required to adjust when they are uncomfortable sharing intimate spaces with biological males.

“In fact, there was one school over the weekend that just said, well, if women are uncomfortable in that situation, they just need to find another place to change,” McMahon said. “And I don’t think that’s the way it ought to be. Women have their private and intimate facilities and men do as well. They should be respected.”

CALIFORNIA ATHLETE SAYS SHE CHANGES CLOTHES IN HER CAR TO AVOID SHARING A LOCKER ROOM WITH TRANS ATHLETE

McMahon pointed to the Department of Education’s resolution with the University of Pennsylvania over Lia Thomas as a model for how institutions can address past violations.

Penn agreed to apologize to female swimmers impacted by Thomas’ participation on the women’s team and restore records and titles to female athletes.

“One of the settlements that the Department of Education had was with the University of Pennsylvania, in which they actually apologized to the female athletes who had lost to males,” McMahon said. “And that was a big deal.”

Asked what other organizations or institutions she would like to see reach similar resolutions, McMahon said the department is looking across the country.

“Any one of them who are breaking these rules, that’s where we would like to see it,” McMahon said. “And that’s why we filed some Title IX cases throughout the country and are hoping to get those same kinds of resolutions made.”

McMahon said Penn drew national attention because of Riley Gaines, who has become one of the most prominent advocates for protecting women’s sports after competing against Thomas in college swimming.

“Penn was clearly in the limelight for so long because of Riley Gaines,” McMahon said. “And she’s really been a stalwart for this. So that’s why I’m really hoping that we’ll see more schools step up to the plate on this.”

McMahon said the department’s focus this month is making sure schools understand the administration’s view that Title IX requires sex-based protections in sports and private spaces.

“I think that this administration is rightfully celebrating Title IX,” McMahon said. “And I really hope that colleges, universities, schools, and everywhere around the country will continue to celebrate this and to be respectful of it.”

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Latest

Trump makes late-night endorsements in six states ahead of Tuesday primaries, including California

Published

2 hours ago

on

June 2, 2026

By

President Trump has issued a series of endorsements ahead of Tuesday’s primary elections in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota, including in gubernatorial, congressional and Senate races.

Among the candidates Trump has thrown his support behind is U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, who is seeking to become his state’s next governor.

“As your next Governor, Randy will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Empower Ethanol, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our incredible Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, Advance Election Integrity, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In California—a state Trump and Republicans have routinely criticized over its majority Democratic leadership and are hoping to make gains in despite Democrats’ statewide dominance—Trump has endorsed Steve Hilton in the gubernatorial race. California uses a top-two primary system, in which all candidates appear on the same ballot and the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.

PRESIDENT TRUMP MAKES ENDORSEMENT IN CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL RACE: ‘HE WILL BE A GREAT GOVERNOR’

“He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job,” Trump said of current Gov. Gavin Newsom, a frequent Trump critic.

“Crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World,” Trump added. “Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With our Administration, working alongside a Great Governor like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before.”

He also endorsed California GOP Assemblyman James Gallagher, who is running for Congress, as well as San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, who is also seeking a seat in the House.

TRUMP ENDORSES HINSON IN 2026 RACE TO KEEP KEY SENATE SEAT RED

Others in California who received endorsements include Reps. Tom McClintock, Jay Obernolte, and Vince Fong, along with Kevin Lincoln, a former Stockton mayor who is running for a seat in the newly redrawn 13th Congressional District.

Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., also received a nod from Trump.

Other congressional endorsements included Reps. Tom Kean Jr., Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith, all of New Jersey, as well as Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont. Trump also endorsed Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, in her U.S. Senate bid.

Trump also endorsed Aaron Flint, who is running to represent Montana; South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley; and Greg Cunningham, a former police officer from New Mexico.

Trump had previously endorsed Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

In May, Trump touted victories by several candidates he had backed in GOP primaries or runoff elections.

Continue Reading

Latest

Rick Adelman, architect of some of the NBA’s best offenses and Hall of Famer, dead at 79

Published

4 hours ago

on

June 2, 2026

By

Rick Adelman, who ranks 10th in NBA history with 1,042 wins, died on Monday. He was 79.

The National Basketball Coaches Association announced his passing. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Adelman spent 23 seasons as an NBA head coach, leading the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. He compiled a 1,042-749 regular-season record and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Before coaching, Adelman played seven seasons as an NBA point guard after being drafted by the San Diego Rockets in 1968.

After taking over the Trail Blazers during the 1988-89 season, Adelman led a Clyde Drexler-led roster to NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992.

In 1998, Adelman became the head coach of the Sacramento Kings. The Kings reached the playoffs in all eight of his seasons in Sacramento and advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2002.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement Monday honoring Adelman’s legacy.

FORMER NUGGETS COACH DOUG MOE DIES AT AFTER CANCER BATTLE, SON SAYS

“Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of the NBA,” Silver said.

“Following his NBA playing career, Rick turned to coaching where his leadership, innovation and genuine love for basketball left a lasting impression on generations of players and fellow coaches over his nearly 30-year run. He was a brilliant strategist and teacher of the game, and an even better person. I send my deepest condolences to Rick’s family and many friends throughout the league.”

Adelman is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Kay, their six children (including Nuggets coach David Adelman) and 12 grandchildren.

Send us your thoughts: [email protected] / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela 

Continue Reading

Latest

Clean your mattress for as low as $8 with these top-rated products

Published

4 hours ago

on

June 2, 2026

By

 Cleaning your mattress can help reduce allergens and even extend the life of your mattress. With spring cleaning season still in full swing, now is a great time to stock up on cleaning essentials that you can use all year long. Save on trusted brands like Arm & Hammer and Black+Decker, with deals starting at just $8 on picks like a portable vacuum and top-rated dustbuster.

Mattress vacuum cleaner: $39.99 (43% off)
Handheld steam cleaner: $39.98 (33% off)
Bristle upholstery scrub brush: $8.99 (31% off)
J200 mattress vacuum cleaner: $69.99 (26% off)
Waterproof Mattress Encasement: $44 (14% off)

This Black+Decker dustbuster is ideal for reaching all the nooks and crannies of your mattress. With a rotating nozzle, large dust bowl and charging station, it’s easy to carry from one room to the other.

Get rid of unpleasant odors from your mattress and carpets with this best-selling deodorizer. Choose from a handful of refreshing scents, like natural lavender, lemon, pink citrus and more. A steal at under $30, this popular powder also works to eliminate stubborn pet smells.

READ MORE: Father’s Day gifts most dads don’t want (and what to get instead)

From minor spills to major messes, this affordable stain remover is just what you need to keep your mattress looking like it just arrived from the store. This versatile household staple tackles tough stains on your carpets and mattresses, with no scrubbing required. Grab it now for just $8. 

Original price: $99.99

Say goodbye to pet hair, dust and debris with this portable handheld vacuum, featuring a brushless motor that delivers twice the power of traditional models. The charging dock keeps the tool powered and ready when you need it. Score now for nearly 40% off.

READ MORE: Beat the heat with window AC deals from LG, GE and more up to 30% off

Original price: $69.99

This steam cleaner heats up in as little as five minutes and produces powerful, chemical-free results. The lightweight design, large water tank and 12-piece accessory kit make it easy to tackle an abundance of household cleaning chores, including refreshing mattresses.

Original price: $65.99

This multifunctional mattress cleaner features a 500-watt motor and strong suction built to lift dust, debris, pet hair and more. Plus, this popular gadget has a clog-resistant design and offers detachable filters.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Original price: $14.99

While this won’t actively clean your mattress, it will help keep it fresh for longer. This cover has deep-fitted pockets to fit thicker mattresses and comes in a variety of colors. It’s made from polyester, and feels soft to the touch. Best of all, though, it’s machine-washable and durable. 

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 Political Signal