Trump’s $175 million threat forces UPenn U-turn: “I feel like pigs are flying”

Donald Trump is everywhere these days. While floating a ceasefire plan in the Middle East or threatening Spain with bespoke tariffs, the president of the United States has now prevailed in one of the crusades he launched at the start of his second term earlier this year. After threatening to pull up to $175 million in federal grants from the University of Pennsylvania, the institution – founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin – has backed down and bowed to a decree widely criticized as transphobic.

“Utter TRiUMPh”

Penn – as it’s commonly known – was where transgender swimmer Lia Thomas competed when she won the women’s 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA championships in 2022, among other events. Her victories have been the target of fierce opposition from the conservative wing of American society ever since. Leading the charge was her outspoken rival in the pool and beyond, Riley Gaines. The Trump administration eagerly joined the backlash in February, issuing a decree under what has become known as Title IX – rolling back decades of progress on equal opportunity in sports.

That’s when the Office for Civil Rights froze $175 million in grants to UPenn, which has now decided to strip Thomas of her results and records. University president J. Larry Jameson released a statement announcing the school would be issuing an apology to the athletes “who experienced a competitive disadvantage or distress,” despite the fact that Thomas had competed in full compliance with the rules in 2022.

What did Gaines say about the decision?

Unsurprisingly, Gaines was quick to respond. She has spent the past few years leading a campaign of relentless pressure against her former opponent. “I feel like hell has frozen over, like pigs are flying,” she said ecstatically during a broadcast on the conservative network Fox News. Also featured on the show was another prominent anti-trans activist and Trump ally, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

The former WWE wrestling executive hailed UPenn’s announcement, calling it a “settlement.” “It’s an amazing day,” McMahon declared, adding that the decision helps ensure that “men have no place in women’s sports.” She ended on a stark note: “Our investigation is ongoing,” signaling a broader crackdown on similar cases across other sports.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.