Trump Threatens to Cut Federal Funding to Maine Over Transgender Athlete Ban

President Trump is intensifying the debate over transgender athletes in sports by threatening to withhold federal funding from Maine. His latest executive order, signed on February 5, bans transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. During a speech at the Republican Governor’s Association meeting, Trump said Maine’s refusal to comply could put their federal aid at risk.

“I heard men are still playing in Maine. Is anybody here from Maine?” Trump said. “Well, I hate to tell you this, but we’re not going to give them any federal money.”

Maine’s state law currently protects transgender individuals, leading the Maine Principal’s Association (MPA) to oppose Trump’s executive order. The MPA stated it would follow state law rather than federal orders.

Governor Janet Mills strongly criticized Trump’s threat, calling it an overreach of power. “If the President attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine school children of federal funding, my Administration and the Attorney General will take necessary legal action,” Mills said.

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey also pushed back, stating, “Any attempt by the President to cut federal funding would be illegal and in direct violation of court orders.”

The NCAA has already barred transgender athletes from women’s college sports under Trump’s order. However, the order faces resistance from multiple state athletic associations, including those in California and Minnesota. The issue remains highly controversial as lawsuits and political challenges continue to emerge.

Maine’s refusal to comply with Trump’s policy sets up a legal battle that could influence federal-state relations and the future of transgender participation in sports nationwide. As the debate unfolds, both sides prepare for a lengthy and potentially precedent-setting legal fight.

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