The Trump administration is moving fast to keep federal money from being used to push gender ideology in schools and youth programs.
On January 21, 2025, the White House issued a directive ordering federal agencies to stop funding programs that include gender identity content. Now we’re starting to see that order in action, and states like Nevada are on the list.
California Pushes Back — And Loses Big
One of the first battles came in California. The state lost its federal grant for the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) because it refused to remove lessons on gender identity from its curriculum.
According to The Guardian (Aug. 21, 2025), the Biden-era funding had continued under PREP, but the Trump administration gave California a 60-day warning back in June. When the state refused to change, the money was cut off.
This was no surprise. Washington had made it clear: if a state insists on pushing ideology over basic education, the funding won’t stay.
A Nationwide Review Underway
This isn’t just happening in California. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), which oversees programs for children and low-income families, is running a full review of how federal money is being spent.
Andrew Gradison, the Acting Assistant Secretary at ACF, is managing a $74 billion budget. He comes from a background in social safety net policy, but under Trump’s direction, his job now includes making sure tax dollars aren’t used to push gender ideology.
One area under the microscope is the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, a $101 million project that sends money to nonprofits and state programs. Just like with PREP, the message has been the same: drop the gender identity content or lose the funding.
Why This Matters for Nevada
Nevada receives federal dollars through both PREP and teen pregnancy prevention programs. These funds have been used for years to support education in Clark County, Washoe County, and rural areas.
If Nevada’s programs stay focused on teaching young people about responsibility and real-world consequences, the state will keep the money. But if activists try to sneak gender ideology into the classroom, those dollars could disappear.
Governor Joe Lombardo has not yet made a public statement about the issue, but many Nevada parents have voiced concern over what is being taught in public schools.
Polls have shown that parents across the state want schools to stick to the basics – reading, writing, math, and science – instead of political or social agendas.
The Conservative Perspective
Conservatives see this as a win for parental rights and common sense. The federal government shouldn’t be paying states to teach children about sexuality or gender identity – especially when many schools in America can’t even get a hold on reading and writing.
By cutting off funding to states that refuse to comply, the Trump administration is putting pressure where it belongs: on policymakers who put politics over kids.
Supporters also argue that focusing on gender identity distracts from the original purpose of these programs, which is to help reduce teen pregnancy and teach responsibility. As one ACF official put it earlier this year, “These programs must focus on outcomes, not ideology.”
Critics Push Back
Critics say the cuts amount to censorship and will hurt states trying to modernize their education programs. Some progressive groups argue that excluding gender identity leaves young people unprepared for “real life.”
But parents in Nevada and across the country are asking a different question: Why should their tax dollars fund something they don’t agree with in the first place?
Looking Ahead
This fight isn’t over. As more states face reviews of their federally funded programs, Nevada will need to decide where it stands.
Will it keep the money by focusing on core lessons, or risk losing funds by clinging to ideology?
The Trump administration’s January directive wasn’t just talk. It’s being enforced, and the message to states is loud and clear – stick to teaching, not ideology.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
