One of the most prominent anti-Trump governors in the nation is now facing the consequences of her actions: a civil rights lawsuit initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice, as announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday.
During a press conference, Bondi, the leading law enforcement official under Trump, stated that the lawsuit will target Maine’s Department of Education. The lawsuit alleges that state officials, under Democratic Governor Janet Mills, have failed to ensure the safety of young girls who are compelled to compete in school sports leagues alongside transgender athletes. “Today, the Department of Justice is filing a civil lawsuit against the Maine Department of Education,” Bondi declared. “The State of Maine is discriminating against women by not safeguarding their rights in women’s sports — it’s quite straightforward.”
The conflict between Mills and President Donald Trump gained national attention following a confrontation at a national governors’ conference in February. Trump urged Mills to adhere to his administration’s directives regarding Title IX enforcement, to which the Democrat sharply responded, “See you in court.”
On Wednesday, Bondi assured Mills that her wish would be granted. “This is a violation of Title IX, and the Department of Justice will not remain passive while women face discrimination in sports,” she asserted. “This also concerns the personal safety of these young women. I have met many of them over the past weeks and months, and their experiences have been appalling. We have pursued every other possible solution.” The DOJ’s lawsuit follows the Trump administration’s decision to freeze federal funding allocated for Maine’s Department of Education, a move Mills has condemned as illegal.
Nevertheless, some institutions, such as the University of Maine, have sought alternative solutions by appealing directly to the U.S. Department of Education, opting to withdraw support for transgender athletic participation. This decision may allow the state’s flagship university system to continue receiving $30 million in annual funding.In February, President Trump enacted an executive order prohibiting biological males from competing in women’s sports. This order, named “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” grants federal agencies considerable authority to ensure that organizations receiving federal funding comply with Title IX, reflecting the Trump administration’s interpretation of “sex” as the gender assigned at birth, as reported by the AP.
Alongside its legal action in Maine, the Trump administration has initiated investigations into Denver Public Schools following claims that the institution replaced a girls-only restroom with a facility accessible to all genders. Furthermore, President Trump has cautioned the International Olympic Committee against permitting transgender athletes to participate in women’s events at the 2028 Games, which are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles.
