Trump Administration Cuts Funding for California Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program

On Thursday, the Trump administration announced the termination of a grant designated for a program in California focused on preventing teenage pregnancies and childhood sexually transmitted infections. The administration's decision was based on California's failure to eliminate what it referred to as “radical gender ideology” from its educational curriculum. This Personal Responsibility Education Program is particularly aimed at helping young people living in challenging situations, such as those who are homeless or in foster care, as well as addressing areas with higher rates of teen births.

Andrew Gradison, who serves as an acting assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed that the lost grant amounted to $12 million. He expressed his viewpoint on Fox & Friends, stating, “If you continue to push radical ideology on our children, we will not pay for it anymore,” while failing to offer specific examples of the ideology he criticized.

Gradison also mentioned that the Department of Health and Human Services is close to completing its evaluation of educational curricula across all states and indicated that nearly 40 states would soon be informed that they must adjust their curricula or risk similar consequences. This action marks the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign against transgender rights, particularly in California, under the leadership of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Following the announcement, representatives from Newsom’s office were unavailable for immediate comment.

In previous statements, President Trump had indicated that California school districts not adhering to his administration's policies regarding transgender issues would be denied federal funding. The specifics of the policies were not elaborated upon. It is notable that while most school funding comes from state and local sources, federal contributions do play a role in the overall financing of U.S. schools.

Additionally, the Trump administration took legal action against California in July concerning its policy that allows transgender athletes to participate in girls' sports, claiming it violated federal anti-discrimination regulations. Earlier in February, Trump signed an executive order that aimed to withdraw federal funding from educational institutions permitting transgender women or girls to compete in female sports.