Maine Governor Defies Trump’s Trans Athlete Order, Triggers DOE Investigation
Maine Governor Janet Mills issued a vehement statement on Friday in response to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announcing an investigation into her state for permitting transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports, in defiance of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order.
Mills’ Condemnation of Trump’s Actions
In her statement, Mills denounced the investigation as a prelude to potential future discrimination based on race or religion. She asserted that Maine would not be the last target of the administration’s efforts to undermine the rule of law.
"Today, the President of the United States has targeted one particular group on one particular issue which Maine law has addressed. But you must ask yourself: who and what will he target next, and what will he do? Will it be you? Will it be because of your race or your religion? Will it be because you look different or think differently? Where does it end?" she said.
Mills emphasized that the President’s authority is not absolute, and that he cannot disregard the rule of law.
"In America, the President is neither a King nor a dictator, as much as this one tries to act like it – and it is the rule of law that prevents him from being so," she stated.
Mills’ Challenge to Trump’s Funding Threat
Mills also challenged Trump’s threat to withhold federal funding from Maine as a means of coercing compliance. She affirmed that no President has the authority to unilaterally withhold funds appropriated by Congress and paid for by taxpayers.
"No President – Republican or Democrat – can withhold Federal funding authorized and appropriated by Congress and paid for by Maine taxpayers in an attempt to coerce someone into compliance with his will. It is a violation of our Constitution and of our laws, which I took an oath to uphold," Mills said.
Maine Joins States Under DOE Investigation
Maine becomes the fourth state to face a Title IX investigation for defying Trump’s order since its signing on February 5th. The DOE has previously announced investigations into California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, San Jose State University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
The Maine Incident and National Scrutiny
Maine’s refusal to comply with Trump’s order and a recent incident involving a trans athlete competing in girls’ sports have drawn national attention. In a state championship track and field meet, Katie Spencer, who previously competed as a male named John Rydzewski, won the pole vault by half a foot. Spencer’s victory helped her team win the state championship by a single point, displacing the second-place female athlete.
Female Athlete Welcomes Trump’s Intervention
Zoe, a female high school athlete who competed in the same championship meet, expressed gratitude for Trump’s announcement to cut federal funding to Maine. She asserted that the state’s leaders have failed female athletes.
White House Response
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the President’s actions, stating that they are lawful, constitutional, and in accordance with his promises to the American people. She expressed confidence that the Trump Administration would prevail in any legal challenges.
Conclusion
Governor Mills’ defiant stance has set the stage for a potential legal battle with the Trump Administration. The investigation into Maine’s compliance with Title IX regulations is part of a broader pattern of challenges to the rights of transgender athletes and the authority of the federal government to regulate such matters. The outcome of these investigations will have significant implications for the future of transgender athlete participation in sports and the role of the federal government in enforcing equality under the law.
