Trump made a bold move after a heated confrontation.
The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into Maine’s compliance with Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs and activities, particularly in sports. This announcement came just hours after a heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills during a meeting of governors from across the country.
President Trump made it clear that he would not tolerate policies that allow male athletes to compete in women’s sports. Referring to an executive order he signed banning transgender athletes from competing against biological females, Trump confronted Governor Mills, warning her that failure to comply would result in a loss of federal funding for Maine. “You better do it because you’re not going to get federal funding,” Trump told her.
Governor Mills, representing a more liberal stance, quickly responded, stating, “We’re going to follow the law, sir,” adding, “We’ll see you in court.” Trump fired back, saying he would welcome the opportunity to face Maine in court and predicted that Mills would not remain in office much longer.
Later that day, the U.S. Department of Education, led by Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, issued a statement blasting Maine’s position. Trainor accused the state of trying to justify policies that allow male athletes to compete against women, disregarding the protections provided by Title IX. He made it clear that Maine would have to choose: either comply with federal law and protect women’s rights in sports or risk losing federal funding.
In his February 5 executive order, President Trump argued that allowing males to compete in women’s sports not only undermines the fairness of competition but also endangers, humiliates, and silences female athletes. His stance on this issue is about ensuring equal opportunities for women, reaffirming his commitment to defending the rights of female athletes and maintaining the integrity of women’s sports.
This clash between the Trump administration and liberal states like Maine highlights the ongoing debate over transgender participation in athletics and the future of Title IX protections. The investigation serves as a critical reminder that federal policies designed to protect the rights of women and girls must be upheld at all levels of government.