Wed Apr 16 13:50:42 UTC 2025: ## Trump Administration Sues Maine Over Transgender Athlete Policy

**Washington, D.C. – April 16, 2025** – The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against Maine’s education department today, escalating a dispute over the participation of transgender girls in girls’ sports. The lawsuit alleges that Maine’s policy allowing transgender athletes to compete violates Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, flanked by Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer who opposes transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, announced the action. The administration contends that Maine’s policy contradicts President Trump’s February executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which defines sex rigidly as assigned at birth.

This lawsuit marks a significant shift from the Biden administration’s approach, which sought to expand civil rights protections for transgender individuals. Maine officials have consistently rejected the administration’s interpretation of Title IX, arguing that the law does not preclude transgender girls from participating in sports.

The dispute has already led to threats of federal funding cuts and a heated exchange between President Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills, who defiantly declared, “We’ll see you in court.” A federal judge recently intervened, ordering the unfreezing of funds for a Maine child nutrition program after the Department of Agriculture temporarily withheld them.

The issue of transgender athletes’ participation in sports has become highly politicized, with 26 states enacting laws or policies restricting transgender girls’ participation. President Trump has made this a central campaign issue, framing it as a women’s rights matter. The legality of his executive orders and related state-level actions are now subject to ongoing legal challenges.

Read More