Maine could lose federal education funding for allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.
The U.S. government is suing Maine for allegedly defying President Trump’s February executive order that prohibits transgender athletes who are biologically male from participating in female sports. The order allows federal agencies to withhold funds from non-compliant institutions.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the lawsuit on Wednesday, stating that the Justice Department alleges Maine is violating Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funds.
“The state of Maine is discriminating against women by failing to protect women in women’s sports,” Bondi stated.
The lawsuit points to instances where transgender athletes who were born male won girls’ competitions, including a male pole vaulter who won the state indoor track and field championship in February.
Bondi also raised concerns about public safety, asserting that male athletes are allowed in women’s bathrooms and dressing rooms, and that female athletes have been injured by transgender athletes during competitions.
“Some of these young women have endured vicious injuries too, as a result of boys playing in their sports,” she said.
When asked about the resources being spent to sue Maine over only two athletes, Bondi responded, “I don’t care if it’s one. I don’t care if it’s two. I don’t care if it’s 100.” She noted that the department is reviewing similar situations in other states, including Minnesota and California.
This legal challenge represents the latest development in an ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and Maine’s Governor, Janet Mills.
Back in February, Trump confronted Mills about her compliance with his order during a televised governors’ meeting at the White House, warning she could lose federal funding. Mills responded, “See you in court.”
In response to the lawsuit, Mills described it as “an expected salvo in an unprecedented campaign to pressure the State of Maine.” She criticized the decision to cut federal school funding as “unlawful” and promised to “vigorously defend” the state.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has issued several executive orders, including banning biological males from women’s sports, reinstating the ban on transgender individuals in the military, and reversing the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies implemented by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
The administration’s stance on transgender athletes has faced criticism from civil rights groups and LGBTQ advocates. Supporters of the policy, however, maintain that it ensures fairness in women’s sports.