In a dramatic turn of events last month, a conservative legislator from Maine sparked widespread controversy by expressing outrage on Facebook regarding a transgender girl winning a high school pole vaulting event. This incident set off a chain reaction that escalated to federal scrutiny. By the end of that week, on February 21, President Donald Trump publicly threatened to cut off federal funding to Maine, specifically targeting Governor Janet Mills. In a bold response, Mills declared, “See you in court.”
The situation intensified as multiple federal agencies launched investigations into the Maine Department of Education and the local school district, claiming violations of federal civil rights laws. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) joined the fray, investigating the Maine Education Department and the state’s university system. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspended funding to the university system pending investigations into alleged civil rights violations. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a warning, indicating that Maine should be prepared for potential legal action.
In an unprecedented move, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) withdrew $4.5 million in funding for marine research, though other grant recipients remained unaffected. Just last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) became the sixth federal agency to target Maine, temporarily canceling contracts that facilitated reporting births and deaths by hospitals and funeral homes. Although these contracts were eventually reinstated, the disruption was already felt across the state.
Currently, only two transgender girls are competing in girls’ sports in Maine, as reported by the Maine Principals’ Association. Civil rights attorney David Webbert described the federal government’s actions as an attempt to intimidate Maine, suggesting that the Trump administration is using the situation as a test case to impose its policies on states regardless of existing laws.
Residents of Maine have rallied behind the state’s motto, “Dirigo,” which means “I lead,” emphasizing that this issue extends beyond Maine. Kris Pitts, executive co-director of the nonprofit MaineTransNet, expressed concerns that if the federal government succeeds in Maine, other states could soon face similar pressures. State officials, caught in the spotlight, have opted for caution, refraining from making public statements and declining media interviews.
Signs indicate that the Trump administration is prepared to extend its reach beyond Maine. Recently, the Department of Justice sent letters to California and Minnesota, threatening to sue if those states do not ban transgender girls from participating in athletics. Furthermore, the administration has adopted a multi-agency strategy against Columbia University, canceling over $400 million in grants due to allegations of inadequate measures against antisemitism.
Notably, the investigations into Maine’s policies are not typical. Agencies like HHS, which traditionally focus on health care access, have pivoted to scrutinize the state’s treatment of transgender athletes with alarming speed. Historically, such investigations can span months or years; however, HHS concluded its inquiry into Maine’s compliance with Title IX within just a few days. The findings indicated that the Maine Department of Education had violated Title IX by allowing transgender athletes to compete against girls.
Legal experts have criticized the federal government’s interpretation of Title IX, emphasizing that the law has never mandated exclusion of transgender girls from girls’ sports. Deborah Brake, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh, pointed out that Trump’s executive order cannot alter federal law, which has not supported such exclusions in court.
The political landscape in Maine has also been affected. State Senator Joe Rafferty expressed disbelief at the rapid pace of the HHS investigation, describing it as a “mirage.” The ultimate resolution is likely to play out in the courts, as HHS has referred its findings to the DOJ, which holds the power to sue Maine and potentially strip it of federal funding.
This federal scrutiny has created a tense atmosphere in Maine, particularly affecting students and families. Gia Drew, leader of the statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy group EqualityMaine, noted the distress caused to students at Greely High School, which the transgender pole vaulter attends. The community has expressed support for the student, but the heightened attention has made daily life tumultuous.
As the situation unfolds, the state’s institutions continue to adhere to Maine law, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. At a recent school board meeting at Greely High School, officials reiterated their commitment to supporting all students. Christina Mitchell, a Democratic state representative, warned that Maine might currently be the focus, but other states could soon face similar federal pressure. “You have to stand up to it,” she said. “If you give an inch, you know?”
