President Donald Trump’s administration is taking aim at Maine’s handling of transgender athletes in high school sports, warning state officials that failure to comply with federal mandates could cost them dearly.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has accused Maine’s Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association, and Greely High School of violating Title IX by allowing a transgender pole vaulter to compete in the girls’ division.
In a press release on Monday, Anthony Archeval, acting director of OCR at HHS, made it clear that Maine must reverse course. “The Maine Department of Education may not shirk its obligations under Federal law by ceding control of its extracurricular activities, programs, and services to the Maine Principals’ Association,” Archeval stated. The OCR has given Maine officials 10 days to comply or face potential legal action from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal Funding At Risk
The controversy escalated when Trump signed an executive order titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, directing federal agencies to enforce a strict interpretation of Title IX. This order mandates that schools receiving federal funds must bar transgender girls from competing in female sports divisions.
Maine, however, has resisted. Democratic Governor Janet Mills has defended the state’s position, citing adherence to both state and federal laws. But Trump isn’t backing down.
During a heated exchange earlier this year, he warned Mills that noncompliance would have severe consequences. “You’d better comply,” Trump told her. “Otherwise, you’re not getting any federal funding.” Mills pushed back, responding, “We’ll see you in court.”
Trump doubled down on his threat while addressing Republican governors, making it clear that the issue remains a priority. “So we’re not going to give them any federal funding. None whatsoever, until they clean that up,” he said.
As legal battles loom, Maine finds itself at the center of a growing national debate over transgender participation in women’s sports- one that could set a precedent for future policies nationwide.
