Trump threatens US schools over gender transitions

Every educational institution promoting the controversial process among children is now “on notice” over possible “child abuse,” the president has warned US President Donald Trump has warned schools across the country against promoting gender identity and transition, touting his administration’s efforts to purge what he calls “transgender ideology” and “far-left extremism” from classrooms.

Speaking at a White House back-to-school event on Monday, Trump said schools could face legal and financial consequences for telling children they are “trapped in the wrong body.” “Every public school in America is now on notice that if they tell a child that they’re trapped in the wrong body, they are committing child abuse,” he said.

The president accused his predecessor Joe Biden’s administration of “weaponizing” education and imposing “extreme ideologies,” including critical race theory and “transgender insanity,” on children as young as four or five.

He said schools had neglected basic education for gender identity issues, leaving the US near the bottom among leading nations despite spending “more money on education than any other country in the world by double.” President Trump just issued a MAJOR WARNING to American schools: "Every public school in America is now on notice that if they tell a child that they're trapped in the wrong body, they are committing child abuse" 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/bls7ASN6FS — Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 24, 2026 Trump stated his return to office meant reversing course, citing his measures targeting transgender policies and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in education.

Read more US court backs firing of educator over anti-trans books “We’re systematically ending every single one of these radical left betrayals and we’re putting the parents back in charge,” he stated.

Speaking alongside Trump, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the administration had cut billions in DEI funding at schools and universities, redirecting it toward teachers, classrooms, and academic efforts, including workforce training.

She warned that schools that continue promoting gender-related changes could lose funding altogether.

“If they subject children to radical experiments and sideline parents, they will lose their federal funding,” McMahon stated.