Trump Administration Pressures Maine Over Trans Athletes in Girls' Sports

As tensions flare over the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls' sports, Maine has found itself at the center of a heated national debate. The Trump administration has turned up the pressure on the state, accusing it of violating Title IX by allowing trans athletes to compete in female categories—a move that has sparked both legal and political pushback.

Earlier this week, the Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of Civil Rights announced that the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals' Association (MPA), and Greely High School were in violation of Title IX, citing policies that allow transgender inclusion in girls' sports. Acting OCR Director Anthony Archeval issued a stern warning, stating that Maine must comply or face the "fullest extent" of Title IX enforcement. "Girls deserve girls-only sports without male competitors," he emphasized.

HHS initially gave the state a 10-day window to revise its policies or risk a referral to the U.S. Department of Justice for further action. This follows the administration's recent decision to pause $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania over similar issues. Even Maine's university system felt the financial pinch last week with a temporary freeze on Department of Agriculture funding, though that funding has since been reinstated.

The Maine Principals' Association defended its stance, arguing that its policies align with the state’s Human Rights Act, which mandates that athletes be allowed to compete based on their gender identity. The association also questioned whether HHS had jurisdiction over its funding, which primarily comes from ticket sales and sponsorships rather than federal sources. Their statement bluntly noted, "The determination that MPA has violated Title IX first requires that MPA be beholden to Title IX."

Adding fuel to the fire, the controversy gained national attention after a transgender athlete reportedly won a girls' pole vault competition at Greely High School. This prompted state lawmaker Laurel Libby to speak out on social media, a move that resulted in her censure by the legislature. Libby has since filed a lawsuit to overturn the censure.

Meanwhile, protests have erupted on both sides of the issue. A "March Against Mills" rally was held outside Maine's State House, criticizing Democratic Governor Janet Mills' handling of the situation. Mills and Trump have also publicly clashed, with the governor threatening legal action if federal funding is withheld. A fiery exchange between the two at a bipartisan governors' meeting earlier this month only intensified the spotlight on Maine.

The U.S. Department of Education has now launched an investigation into the state’s compliance with Title IX, further entrenching Maine in this national battle over transgender rights and sports policy.

Fox News' CB Cotton contributed to this report.