Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Trump Administration Warns American Schools Over Gender Policies
The Trump administration says schools must tell parents about major gender-related decisions involving their children.
Officials warned that schools could lose federal money if they do not.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said schools should not have more authority over children than their parents.
President Trump also criticized schools that tell children they are trapped in the wrong body.
The administration says it wants parents to have more control over education.
It has also acted against gender ideology and critical race theory in public schools.
Another policy it highlighted bars transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports.
These issues remain disputed among states, schools, parents and civil rights groups.
The Trump administration warned schools they could lose federal funding over gender-related decisions made without parental notice.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said her department was coordinating with the Department of Justice on parental-rights enforcement.
President Donald Trump said schools could face consequences for telling children they are trapped in the wrong body.
McMahon identified California as having what the administration described as widespread violations.
The administration also highlighted its actions on gender ideology, critical race theory and transgender participation in women’s sports.
- Who
- The Trump administration, President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
- What
- Schools were warned that they could lose federal funding if they allow gender-related changes without informing parents.
- When
- The warning was announced Monday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- At a back-to-school event in the White House Rose Garden, concerning schools across the United States.
- Why
- The administration says the policy is intended to strengthen parental rights and give families greater control over education.
- Potential consequence
- Schools could lose federal funding.
- Federal coordination
- The Department of Education is working with the Department of Justice.
- Administration focus
- Officials say parents should be informed about gender-related decisions involving their children.
- State cited
- Linda McMahon singled out California, which the administration described as having widespread violations.
- Other policies mentioned
- Trump cited actions involving gender ideology, critical race theory and transgender participation in women’s sports.
- Affected issues
- Disputes include sports participation, facilities, names and pronouns, and parental notification.
- Responses
- The material included no response from former Biden administration officials or affected school systems.