On April 16, 2025, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit against the state of Maine, challenging its policy regarding transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the lawsuit during a press conference, asserting that Maine's policy violates Title IX, the federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities.
The lawsuit claims that Maine's Department of Education is "openly and defiantly flouting federal anti-discrimination law by enforcing policies that require girls to compete against boys in athletic competitions designated exclusively for girls." Bondi emphasized that the state's policy deprives girl athletes of fair competition and exposes them to increased risks of physical injury and psychological harm.
Bondi's announcement was made alongside anti-trans activist Riley Gaines and several parents and students from Maine who have raised objections to the state's policies. "The Department of Justice will not sit by when women are discriminated against in sports. This is about sports. This is also about these young women's personal safety," Bondi stated, highlighting the serious implications of the policy on female athletes.
The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in a broader national debate over transgender athletes' participation in women's sports, a topic that has gained traction among conservative lawmakers and activists. Bondi noted that the Trump administration has been actively pursuing compliance from states that allow transgender athletes to compete in women's categories, sending warning letters to officials in Maine, California, and Minnesota earlier this year.
Maine's Democratic Governor Janet Mills has been vocal in her opposition to the Trump administration's actions, labeling the attempts to strip federal funding from the state as executive overreach. In a recent interview with CBS affiliate WGME, Mills pointed out that there are only a couple of transgender athletes competing in Maine schools, questioning the rationale behind the federal government's aggressive stance. "Because there are two, maybe two, trans athletes competing in Maine schools right now, they decided to shut off funding for the school nutrition program, the school lunch program, entirely," she remarked.
The conflict escalated further when Mills publicly confronted President Trump about the executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports during a White House meeting with governors. When Trump asked if she would comply, Mills replied that she would adhere to both state and federal laws. Trump retorted, "Well, you better do it because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't." Mills firmly responded, "See you in court," to which Trump replied, "Good, I look forward to that. That should be an easy one."
The lawsuit highlights specific instances that Bondi claims illustrate the negative impact of Maine's policies. She cited a male athlete who recently won first place in a state final for girls' pole vaulting, as well as another male athlete who competed in female ski and cross-country races last year, finishing first in the women's 5K. According to a Department of Justice press release, the latter athlete's time would have placed him 43rd if he had been competing against males.
Riley Gaines, who has become a prominent figure in the campaign against transgender athletes in women's sports, expressed her gratitude to President Trump for his stance on the issue. "Accountability is back in the White House," she declared during the press conference, emphasizing the need for women to be heard and protected in sports.
The lawsuit also seeks to compel Maine to halt its noncompliance with federal law and aims to ensure that female athletes who were passed over by male competitors receive their appropriate awards. Additionally, Bondi indicated that the Department of Justice is considering retroactively pulling federal funding from Maine for its past noncompliance.
As the Trump administration ramps up its efforts to enforce its interpretation of Title IX, other states like Minnesota and California could be next in line for legal action if they continue to allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. This push reflects a broader national trend, with 26 states already enacting laws or policies that bar transgender girls from participating in girls' sports.
The lawsuit against Maine represents a stark philosophical shift from the previous Democratic administration, which sought to expand civil rights protections for transgender individuals. Under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department had previously sued North Carolina over a law that mandated transgender individuals use public restrooms corresponding to their birth gender.
In a notable twist, the lawsuit comes on the heels of a federal judge's recent order to unfreeze funds intended for a Maine child nutrition program, which had been paused by the Trump administration due to alleged noncompliance with Title IX. This ongoing legal battle underscores the contentious nature of the discourse surrounding transgender rights and the intersection of sports, education, and federal law.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the courts will interpret Title IX in relation to transgender athletes and what implications this will have for states across the country. The outcome of the lawsuit could set significant precedents regarding the rights of transgender individuals in athletic competitions and the extent of federal authority in enforcing anti-discrimination laws.
