Trump Praised for Defending Women’s Sports in Maine
A high school track and field athlete, identified as Zoe, has expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his efforts to protect women from biological males competing in sports. Zoe, who competed in shot put at the Maine Class B state indoor championship meet, believes that state lawmakers have failed to safeguard female athletes.
"State leaders have failed our female athletes, and there needs to be repercussions for their neglect," Zoe stated. "We feel seen and heard because of this announcement and hope that steps will continue to be made to protect women’s sports in Maine."
Katie Spencer’s Victory Sparks Controversy
During the state championship meet, Katie Spencer, who had previously competed as a male named John Rydzewski, outperformed every other female competitor in pole-vaulting by half a foot. Spencer’s victory played a crucial role in her team’s overall success.
Following the event, President Trump announced that Maine would lose federal funding until the state complied with his executive order to keep men out of women’s sports. Maine state Rep. Laurel Libby supported this decision, emphasizing that without federal intervention, the situation would remain unchanged.
State Officials Defy Trump’s Order
Despite Trump’s executive order, the Maine Principals Association (MPA), the governing body for high school athletics in the state, has stated that the president’s directive conflicts with state law protecting gender identity. The MPA has indicated that it will defer to state law when determining athletic eligibility.
Sarah Perry, a civil rights attorney, has pointed out that the MPA’s stance also defies directives from the Department of Education and established precedent from previous cases involving Title IX regulations. She noted that states that do not comply with Trump’s demand face the risk of federal Title IX investigations and potential enforcement.
Libby Calls for Federal Intervention
Rep. Libby expressed outrage at the state’s lack of enforcement and urged the Biden administration to intervene. She highlighted that young athletes had been unaware that they would be competing against a biological male. Libby also pointed to a pattern of similar incidents in Maine, involving a male athlete competing in girls’ cross-country.
"This is increasing in Maine," Libby stated. "And unless something is done at the federal level, I think we’re just going to see more and more of it."
Spencer’s Qualification Raises Concerns
Spencer’s victory has also raised concerns about the impact on second-place finishers. Spencer’s qualification for the regional championships has effectively displaced the female athlete who would have otherwise earned a spot had Spencer competed in the boys’ division.
Trump’s Threat of Funding Cuts
President Trump has remained firm in his stance, stating that Maine will not receive federal funding until it complies with his executive order. He has emphasized that biological males should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports.
Confrontation with Maine Governor
During a meeting with governors at the White House, Trump engaged in a verbal altercation with Maine Governor Janet Mills over his decision to cut federal funding. Trump threatened to end Mills’ political career if she did not comply with his order.
White House Statement
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has affirmed that the Trump administration is prepared to defend its executive actions in court. She has emphasized that Trump’s policies are intended to fulfill the promises he made to the American people.
