DOJ sues Maine over Title IX violations in transgender sports

The Trump administration has filed a federal lawsuit against Maine, alleging that the state's policy of allowing transgender women to compete in girls’ and women’s sports violates Title IX. The Department of Justice argues that Maine’s approach discriminates against female athletes and has threatened to withdraw federal education and school lunch funding as a punitive measure. Maine Governor Janet Mills and other state officials have refused to comply, asserting that their policy does not violate Title IX and vowing to challenge the federal government in court. Amid escalating tensions, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration's attempt to freeze funds, with the court finding that the funding cutoff could harm students and may be illegal. Senator Susan Collins criticized the Trump administration's move to rescind federal funds, stating that while she supports traditional interpretations of Title IX, cutting funding is not an appropriate response. The case highlights the sharp national debate over transgender participation in sports and the balance between federal authority and state policy.