Clovis, California becomes a political flashpoint as it hosts a girls' track championship featuring a trans athlete.

Community Stands with Trump Over Title IX Enforcement

Clovis, California, is at the center of a heated national debate this weekend as it hosts the state track and field championships. The spotlight intensified after a trans athlete entered the girls' competition, drawing attention from President Donald Trump, who reiterated his executive order aimed at keeping male-born athletes out of women’s sports.

Mayor pro tem Dianne Pearce played a central role in the town’s political engagement. She said she had been in communication with the White House legislative affairs office to amplify community concerns and support Trump’s enforcement of Title IX. Her lobbying efforts culminated in a press conference uniting state and local officials in defense of Trump’s order.

The event featured remarks from Pearce, Clovis Unified board trustee Tiffany Stoker Madsen, Assemblyman David Tangipa, U.S. Rep. Vince Fong, and Fresno County supervisors Gary Bredefeld and Nathan Maxson. Together, they criticized California’s allowance of trans athletes in girls’ events and urged state leaders to revise policies. “What is happening in women's sports is wrong,” said Madsen. “These female athletes deserve a level playing field.”

Although the town has leaned Democratic in past elections, Fresno County backed Trump in 2024 by a slim margin. The controversy over trans participation may be shifting local political dynamics further into Republican territory, at least among civic leaders.

Security, Scrutiny, and Ongoing Federal Action

The competition is being held at Buchanan High School’s Veterans Memorial Stadium. Trans athlete AB Hernandez from Jurupa Valley High School is expected to compete in long jump and triple jump after dominating recent events. Hernandez has faced public criticism during the postseason, though Pearce urged attendees to treat the athlete with respect and emphasized the responsibility of adults in creating such polarizing policies.

Trump escalated the matter by posting on Truth Social that he would direct authorities to block the athlete’s participation if necessary. However, Pearce and Clovis Unified Police said they had not received any such directive. Security personnel are expected to maintain a safe environment regardless of political tensions.

Pearce said the worst outcome would be any disruption that compromises the safety and respect due to all athletes. “These kids deserve better than that,” she stated, criticizing state and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) leadership for failing to prevent controversy through clearer policy.

The broader implications are already unfolding. The U.S. Department of Justice launched a formal investigation into California’s policy following Trump’s statement. Pearce said she would support federal funding cuts to the state if necessary, noting that protecting female athletes outweighs political cost. “It’s not a hard decision,” she said. “Their spaces should be respected and protected.”

Trump's broader campaign to enforce his executive order has already resulted in legal battles and funding disputes in other Democrat-led states. With Clovis now in the national spotlight, the intersection of sports policy, civil rights law, and federal authority appears headed for further legal and political escalation.