The White House has warned that any US sports team or institution that defies the federal ban on transgender women competing in female sports could face lawsuits, criminal charges, or a cut in funding.
This follows the Department of Justice suing the state of Maine for allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ and women’s school sports. The federal government claims this breaks President Trump’s executive order, which defines only two sexes — male and female — and aims to stop what it calls “unfair participation” in women’s competitions.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and campaigner Riley Gaines are leading the legal action, stating that Maine’s policies are unfair to female athletes and potentially harmful. The lawsuit includes examples of transgender athletes outperforming others, raising concerns about fair competition and safety.
Maine Governor Janet Mills strongly opposes the federal stance, saying this is not about sport but about protecting state rights. She argues the federal government is overstepping its powers and promised to fight the lawsuit in court.
The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) has backed the state, saying they will follow Maine law, not the federal order. MPA director Mike Burnham noted that the two legal positions are in direct conflict.
The case could have broader implications for funding and legal boundaries between state and federal authority in the US, especially around education and sports.
