Trump DOJ Cracking Down On Maine?
Federal Funding Threatened After State Refuses to Ban Biological Males from Girls’ Sports
The Trump administration is following through on its promise to defend fairness in women’s sports, taking legal action against the state of Maine for allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports teams.
On Friday, the Department of Education officially referred its Title IX investigation to the Department of Justice after Maine refused to comply with federal law. The move could result in the loss of millions in education funding for the state.
“Maine’s leaders have chosen woke ideology over student safety, privacy, and fairness,” said Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. “Now they will answer in court.”
What’s at Stake: Education Dollars and Equal Rights
At the heart of the issue is Title IX, the federal law that protects against sex-based discrimination in schools. The Trump administration has made it clear: biological males competing in girls’ sports is a violation of federal law.
Despite repeated warnings, Maine officials refused to reverse their policy. In response, the Department of Education announced it will pursue both administrative sanctions and courtroom action.
That includes potential termination of K-12 federal funding, including crucial grants that support teachers, student programs, and school infrastructure.
“Governor Janet Mills wanted a legal showdown,” said Trainor. “She’s going to get one.”
Federal Agencies United in the Fight
The Department of Education isn’t acting alone. The Department of Health and Human Services also found Maine in violation of Title IX last month. Its investigation targeted:
- The Maine Department of Education
- The Maine Principals’ Association
- Greely High School, near Portland
Both agencies gave the state until the end of March to comply. Instead, Maine doubled down. On April 11, after a final deadline passed, the federal government escalated the matter to the Department of Justice.
Governor Mills Faces Funding Losses and Legal Action
Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) and Attorney General Aaron Frey have insisted that state law supports transgender inclusion in sports. But federal officials say that doesn’t matter.
“When federal and state law conflict, federal law prevails,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “And we will enforce it.”
As a result, the state has already begun feeling the pressure:
- $1.5 million in federal funds were pulled from Maine’s corrections department after reports that a biological male convicted of murder was housed in a women’s facility.
- The Department of Agriculture froze nutrition assistance that supports meal programs for low-income children, after Maine refused to enforce the executive order.
Bondi warned more funding cuts are on the table for states that refuse to protect the integrity of women’s sports.
Trump Administration Launches New Title IX Enforcement Unit
The Department of Education and Department of Justice have announced a new Title IX enforcement team, dedicated to rooting out “the harmful effects of gender ideology” in schools across the country.
“This is about fairness, safety, and truth,” said a senior administration official. “Biological reality matters — especially when it comes to girls’ sports.”
The White House has stated clearly that states which defy the federal law will face consequences, including loss of funding and legal action. Maine now serves as a high-profile example of what happens when states ignore that warning.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in the Fight for Fairness
The Biden-era trend of prioritizing gender ideology in schools is being reversed under President Trump’s renewed leadership. As Maine prepares for its legal battle, the message from Washington is loud and clear: America will not sacrifice fairness and safety on the altar of political correctness.
