Trump Administration Sues Maine Over Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
The Trump administration is suing the state of Maine over its refusal to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women’s sports, intensifying a standoff that has already sparked threats to cut federal funding. The Justice Department claims Maine’s policy violates Title IX, a law meant to protect against sex-based discrimination, arguing the state is prioritizing "gender identity over biological reality" and denying female athletes a fair playing field.
Maine Governor Janet Mills pushed back, calling the lawsuit part of a broader pressure campaign. "This matter has never been about school sports or the protection of women and girls, as has been claimed, it is about states rights and defending the rule of law against a federal government bent on imposing its will," she said. Mills also pointed out the practical impact, noting the dispute has endangered programs for "hungry school kids, hardworking fishermen, senior citizens, new parents, and countless Maine people."
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who announced the lawsuit alongside anti-trans activist Riley Gaines, framed the case as a defense of women’s safety and fairness. "The Department of Justice will not sit by when women are discriminated against in sports," Bondi said, warning that other states like Minnesota and California could be next in line for similar legal action.
