The radical Democrats are dragging the Trump admin into court. But the Trump regime is fighting back.
And the Department of Justice just punched back at radical Democrats with this unexpected court filing.
Justice Department Sues Maine Over Defiance of Trump’s Women’s Sports Ban
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Wednesday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the state of Maine. The legal action comes after Maine repeatedly ignored President Donald Trump’s executive order banning males from competing in female sports, a policy aimed at protecting the integrity of women’s athletics. The lawsuit marks a significant step in the Trump administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of female athletes across the nation.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, where Bondi emphasized that the lawsuit was a last resort. For months, the administration had issued warnings to Maine, urging compliance with the federal directive. When those efforts failed, the DOJ stepped in to address what it sees as clear discrimination against women in violation of federal law.
“Today, the Department of Justice is announcing a civil lawsuit against the Maine Department of Education,” Bondi declared. “The state of Maine is discriminating against women by failing to protect women in women’s sports; pretty basic stuff. This is a violation of Title IX. The Department of Justice will not sit by when women are discriminated against in sports. This is about sports, this is also about these young women’s personal safety.”
The controversy began in February when Maine’s Democrat Governor Janet Mills publicly challenged the Trump administration’s enforcement of the executive order, vowing to take the issue to court. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) responded swiftly, launching an investigation into the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) that same day. By March 31, the ED had issued a final warning letter, signaling that further defiance would result in a referral to the DOJ for legal action.
"See you in court," @GovJanetMills told @POTUS in February over her refusal to protect women and girls in sports.
Today, @EDSecMcMahon confirmed, "Gov. Mills will definitely get her wish." https://t.co/v3jelMrUGG pic.twitter.com/CrMgLtNEHd
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 16, 2025
The Trump administration’s stance is clear: states that allow males to compete in women’s sports or access female-only facilities risk federal civil rights investigations. Secretary McMahon reinforced this position at the press conference, stating, “We want to make sure that if you open women’s sports or intimate facilities to males, you expose yourself to federal civil rights investigations.” She added pointedly, “Governor Mills will definitely get her wish.”
Maine’s refusal to comply has already led to significant consequences. On April 11, the ED announced it was withdrawing all K-12 funding from the state, a move that sent shockwaves through Maine’s education system. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revoked funding to the MDOE on April 2, prompting the state to file a lawsuit claiming the action was unlawful. These measures demonstrate the administration’s willingness to use federal authority to enforce compliance.
The USDA also took action against the University of Maine System (UMS), temporarily pausing its funding on March 10. However, the UMS was found to be in compliance with federal law by March 19, allowing funding to resume. This temporary resolution for the university system contrasts with the ongoing battle over K-12 education, where Maine’s leadership continues to resist federal directives.
Republican Maine Representative Laurel Libby praised the DOJ’s lawsuit, criticizing Governor Mills and her allies for prioritizing ideology over fairness. “Despite repeated warnings from President Trump, Governor Janet Mills and Maine Democrats have continued to discriminate against Maine women and girls, prioritizing their woke ideology over biological reality,” Libby said.
“As a result, the Department of Justice has no choice but to take action against the erasure of women and girls in sports. Maine Democrats have doubled down on their far-left agenda and now our students and families stand poised to lose hundreds of millions in federal funding. Their radical gender ideology is endangering the continued existence of women’s sports and penalizing Maine students, against the will of Maine citizens.”
FAFO: Pam Bondi announces a civil lawsuit against the Maine Department of Education over their consistent and willful refusal to protect women and girls in sports and other private spaces.
"We have exhausted every other remedy."pic.twitter.com/28UvwOvW9T
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) April 16, 2025
The issue of males competing in women’s sports has raised serious safety concerns, with several female athletes suffering injuries as a result. One notable case is that of 19-year-old Payton McNabb, who sustained a traumatic brain injury after a male athlete, identifying as a transgender female, spiked a volleyball into her head. Such incidents have fueled the Trump administration’s resolve to protect female athletes, with the president himself calling on the NCAA to restore women’s records taken by male competitors following his February 5 executive order.
The lawsuit against Maine also serves as a warning to other states. Bondi noted that jurisdictions like Minnesota and California could face similar legal action if they fail to comply with federal law. “They should be on notice,” she said, signaling that the DOJ is prepared to act decisively to enforce the administration’s policies nationwide.
This legal battle echoes earlier debates over Title IX, a federal law designed to protect women from discrimination in education and athletics. During the Biden administration, efforts were made to reinterpret Title IX to include protections for transgender individuals, a move that drew widespread criticism from Republican-led states. Those efforts faced numerous legal challenges and were ultimately abandoned, paving the way for the Trump administration’s focus on restoring Title IX’s original intent.
For many supporters of the Trump administration, the lawsuit against Maine represents a stand for common sense and fairness. By taking on states that defy federal directives, the DOJ is sending a message that the rights of female athletes will not be sidelined. The administration’s actions align with a broader commitment to prioritize the safety and opportunities of women and girls in sports, a cause that resonates with millions of Americans.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation will be watching closely. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how states navigate the intersection of federal authority and local policy. For now, the Trump administration remains steadfast in its mission to protect women’s sports, ensuring that female athletes have a fair and safe environment to compete.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
