Maine Governor Janet Mills Responds to Trump’s Title IX Investigation of Transgender Athletes

Maine Governor Janet Mills Responds to Trump’s Title IX Investigation of Transgender Athletes

Maine Governor Janet Mills issued a strong statement on Friday following the announcement that the U.S. Department of Education will launch an investigation into her state’s handling of transgender athletes in girls’ sports. This investigation comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order impacting gender inclusion in athletics.

In her statement, Mills argued that the Trump administration’s inquiry into potential Title IX violations is not merely an isolated incident but a preliminary indication that the president may expand his focus to other marginalized groups, specifically based on race or religion.

“Maine may be one of the first states facing an investigation from his administration, but we will certainly not be the last. The President has taken aim at one particular group concerning a specific issue that Maine law already addresses. You must ponder this: who and what will he target next? What will the implications be for you, especially regarding your race or religion? Where does this end? In America, the President is not a King or a dictator, despite his attempts to act as such. Our rule of law safeguards against this,” Mills stated emphatically.

Mills further criticized the politically motivated nature of the investigation. She expressed skepticism about its outcome, suggesting that it is likely predetermined. Moreover, she affirmed her administration’s commitment to collaborating with the state’s Attorney General to defend Maine’s interests in court. “This is not solely about who can compete on our athletic fields; it’s about whether a President can command compliance with his will, disregarding our nation’s fundamental laws. I am confident that he cannot do so,” thanked Mills.

Moreover, Mills asserted that Trump lacks the authority to withhold federal funding from Maine as a means of coercing compliance with his executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

“No President – whether Republican or Democrat – can withhold federal funding allocated by Congress and supported by Maine taxpayers simply to compel compliance with his directives. Such actions will infringe upon our Constitutional rights and the laws I pledged to uphold,” Mills added.

Maine now stands as the fourth state subjected to a Title IX investigation due to defiance against Trump’s directive since its implementation on February 5. Just days prior, the Department of Education announced similar investigations into high school athletic associations in California and Minnesota, both of which resisted the administration’s order.

The investigations first emerged when Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, along with San Jose State University and the University of Pennsylvania, was placed under scrutiny for potential Title IX violations following the executive order.

The tension between Mills and Trump intensified when the President threatened to revoke funding from states that defy his directives during a meeting with Republican state governors. “I hate to tell you this, but I’m not giving them any federal money. To say ‘we want men to play in women’s sports’ is beyond belief. We won’t provide any federal funding, none at all, unless they rectify the situation,” Trump declared.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics revealed that Maine received over $360 million in federal funds for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, which constituted approximately 10.1 percent of its overall education budget.

On Friday, Mills’ office countered Trump’s statements with a warning of potential legal disputes should the administration act to withhold federal funds. The escalating verbal exchanges concluded with a highly publicized confrontation at the White House during a bipartisan governors’ meeting.

Throughout the heated exchange, Trump pressed Mills, asking, “Are you not going to comply with that?” Mills countered, citing her commitment to uphold state and federal laws. Trump retorted, “Well, we are the federal law,” subsequently warning, “you better do it or you’re not getting any federal funding. Your population in Maine, despite being somewhat liberal, still doesn’t want men playing in women’s sports, so you need to comply. Otherwise, you will lose all federal funding.” Mills decisively responded, “We will see you in court.”

The announcement of the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation into Maine quickly followed the contentious meeting.

Maine garnered national attention for its policy of allowing transgender athletes in girls’ sports, which sparked widespread debate following a high-profile incident involving a trans pole vaulter. Notably, Katie Spencer, who competed previously as John Rydzewski, won a state championship meet, securing a spot in the upcoming multistate regional championships.

The outcome of this win resulted in Spencer taking a spot that would have been awarded to the second-place female athlete, further fueling the discussion about fairness in women’s sports.

Supporters of Trump’s stance have emerged, including a female high school athlete who voiced gratitude for the President’s commitment to reconsider federal funding for Maine. Zoe, who participated in the shot put event, expressed her belief that state leaders had neglected female athletes and highlighted the need for accountability.

“State leaders have failed our female athletes, and there should be repercussions for their neglect. This announcement makes us feel seen and heard, and we hope further action will be taken to protect women’s sports in Maine,” remarked Zoe.

In a statement regarding the situation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized Mills’ administration as partisan and accused them of obstructing President Trump’s policies. She expressed confidence that the president’s executive actions are lawful, constitutional, and aligned with his commitments to the American populace.

Leavitt stated, “The Trump Administration is fully prepared to confront these challenges in court and will emerge victorious.”

Fox News Digital’s reporting contributed to this article.