The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Maine for refusing to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, escalating an ongoing conflict between President Trump and Governor Janet Mills.
“The Department of Justice will not sit by when women are discriminated against in sports,” declared US Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday. “This is also about these young women’s personal safety.”
Governor Mills responded that the issue has “never been about school sports of the protection of women and girls,” accusing the federal government of “imposing its will” on states.
The legal dispute centers on Title IX, a civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs. In February, Trump signed an executive order requiring that Title IX be interpreted to ban transgender women and girls from female sports competitions.
According to the federal government, Maine’s education department is violating this interpretation of the law. During a press conference, Bondi stated the administration wants to strip titles from transgender athletes and is “considering whether to retroactively pull all the funding that they [the education department] have received for not complying in the past.”
This lawsuit follows the administration’s recent attempt to cut all federal funding for Maine’s public schools and school lunch program, apparently in response to a confrontation between Trump and Mills during a governors’ meeting on February 21. At that meeting, Trump threatened to withdraw state funding if Mills refused to comply with the executive order banning transgender women from female sports, to which Mills responded: “We’ll see you in court.”
On Wednesday, Mills accused the federal government of acting unlawfully: “For nearly two months, Maine has endured recriminations from the federal government that have targeted hungry school kids, hardworking fishermen, senior citizens, new parents, and countless Maine people. We have been subject to politically motivated investigations that opened and closed without discussion, leaving little doubt that their outcomes were predetermined.”
Mills has stated that there are only two transgender athletes competing in Maine schools. According to a UCLA Williams Institute study, less than 1% of Americans over 13 years old identify as transgender.
The lawsuit represents another step in Trump’s efforts to reverse transgender policies implemented during the Biden administration. Following Trump’s February executive order on transgender athletes, the NCAA banned transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
On the same day as the lawsuit announcement, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of woman is based on biological sex, while affirming that transgender people maintain legal protection from discrimination.
About the author
US Senator Confronts Trump in Shock Visit to Deported Man in El Salvador Prison
A US senator has met with Kilmar รbrego Garcรญa, a man who Trump administration officials acknowledge was erroneously deported from Maryland to El Salvador's maximum-security prison. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen shared photos of the meeting, which appeared to take place in a hotel, as the administration continues fighting against รbrego Garcรญa's return despite Thursday's court ruling against the government. Following the encounter, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele stated the detainee would remain in the country's custody. The White House has accused รbrego Garcรญa of MS-13 gang membership, a designated foreign terrorist organizationโallegations his lawyer denies. Trump responded on Truth Social, saying Van Hollen "looked like a fool yesterday standing in El Salvador begging for attention from the Fake News Media, or anyone." The visit occurs amid an intensifying conflict between the president and the courts. On Thursday, the 4th […]
“US Gives Ukraine Peace Talks Final Deadline As Trump Threatens To Walk Away
The US will abandon efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal within days unless clear progress emerges, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "We're not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end," Rubio stated, adding that the US had "other priorities to focus on." Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has placed various conditions on potential ceasefire terms. Despite the Trump administration's initial confidence in securing a quick agreement, ceasefire attempts have stalled, with Washington attributing blame to both sides. Following discussions with European leaders in Paris on Thursday, Rubio told reporters: "We need to determine very quickly now - and I'm talking about a matter of days - whether or not this is doable." He emphasized, "If it's not going to happen, then we're just going to move […]
League Leaders Stumble As Title Race Heats Up In Saudi Arabia
Al Ittihad's advantage at the top of the Roshn Saudi League has been reduced to four points following a night of significant developments in the title race on Thursday. Defending champions Al Hilal applied pressure with a commanding 3-0 home win against Al Khaleej earlier in the evening. Captain Salem Al Dawsari found the net twice while Aleksandar Mitrovic added another goal to complete the victory. With their lead shrinking, Al Ittihad then suffered an unexpected 2-0 defeat at Al Fateh. The table-toppers, who had lost just twice in their previous 27 league matches, fell behind in Al Ahsa when Amine Sbai scored after 10 minutes. Matias Vargas extended Al Fateh's advantage midway through the second half. Both teams missed opportunities from the penalty spot during the match. Mourad Batna's attempt at Al Fateh was disallowed after he made contact […]
Brazilian Goalkeeper Bento Proving Worth As Al Nassr Title Chase Heats Up
Following last season's close second-place finish to Riyadh rivals Al Hilal, Al Nassr identified key positions requiring reinforcement. While striker Jhon Duran arrived in winter and defensive reinforcements came through Mohamed Simakan partnering Aymeric Laporte, perhaps their most crucial signing was finding a replacement for departing goalkeeper David Ospina. Despite having promising Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, the club looked abroad, ultimately signing 25-year-old Brazilian Bento from Athletico Paranaense. With over 150 appearances in Brazil and a national team cap under interim coach Fernando Diniz, Bento represented the ideal profile โ experienced yet still developing, with his prime years ahead. While some viewed Europe as Bento's natural destination, the goalkeeper embraced the Saudi challenge. "I think there is a bit of prejudice against the Saudi league; just look at who plays there," Bento previously stated. "The level is the same, […]
Brazilian Prodigy Takes Younger Teammate Under His Wing At Saudi Club
At just 21 years old and in his first season in the Roshn Saudi League, Robert Renan has displayed remarkable maturity by mentoring a fellow Brazilian newcomer at Al Shabab. The defender, on loan from Russia's Zenit St Petersburg, has been a standout performer in his debut Saudi campaign, missing only two league matches. Renan has integrated perfectly into the team, becoming essential to Al Shabab's pursuit of a top-four finish. With seven rounds remaining, Fatih Terim's side currently sits sixth, three points behind fourth-placed Al Ahli. Beyond his on-field contributions, Renan has taken on another important role. When Al Shabab signed 20-year-old Brazilian Leandrinho during the winter transfer window on loan from Vasco da Gama, the center-back stepped up to help his compatriot adjust to life in Saudi Arabia. Leandrinho has clearly valued this support. "I like being here; […]
Judge Rules Google Illegally Controls Online Ad Market As Tech Giant Faces Second Antitrust Defeat
A US judge has determined that Google maintains an illegal monopoly in online advertising technology, marking the tech giant's second antitrust loss within a year. The lawsuit, brought by the US Department of Justice and 17 states, successfully argued that Google illegally dominates the technology determining online ad placement. This ruling follows an earlier decision that found Google also held a monopoly in online search. Google has announced plans to appeal the decision. "Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective," stated Lee-Ann Mulholland, Google's head of regulatory affairs. In her ruling, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema declared Google had "wilfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts" allowing it to "acquire and maintain monopoly power" in the market. "This exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google's publisher customers, the competitive process, […]
Related
US Senator Confronts Trump in Shock Visit to Deported Man in El Salvador Prison
A US senator has met with Kilmar รbrego Garcรญa, a man who Trump administration officials acknowledge was erroneously deported from Maryland to El Salvador's maximum-security prison. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen shared photos of the meeting, which appeared to take place in a hotel, as the administration continues fighting against รbrego Garcรญa's return despite Thursday's court ruling against the government. Following the encounter, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele stated the detainee would remain in the country's custody. The White House has accused รbrego Garcรญa of MS-13 gang membership, a designated foreign terrorist organizationโallegations his lawyer denies. Trump responded on Truth Social, saying Van Hollen "looked like a fool yesterday standing in El Salvador begging for attention from the Fake News Media, or anyone." The visit occurs amid an intensifying conflict between the president and the courts. On Thursday, the 4th […]
“US Gives Ukraine Peace Talks Final Deadline As Trump Threatens To Walk Away
The US will abandon efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal within days unless clear progress emerges, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "We're not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end," Rubio stated, adding that the US had "other priorities to focus on." Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has placed various conditions on potential ceasefire terms. Despite the Trump administration's initial confidence in securing a quick agreement, ceasefire attempts have stalled, with Washington attributing blame to both sides. Following discussions with European leaders in Paris on Thursday, Rubio told reporters: "We need to determine very quickly now - and I'm talking about a matter of days - whether or not this is doable." He emphasized, "If it's not going to happen, then we're just going to move […]
U.S. Strike on Yemen Fuel Port Results in Dozens of Casualties, According to Houthi Media
U.S. strikes on a fuel port in Yemen killed at least 58 people, according to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, marking one of the deadliest attacks since the United States began its military campaign against the Iran-backed militants. The United States has stated it will not cease the large-scale strikes that began last monthโits most significant military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in Januaryโunless the Houthis stop their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Al Masirah TV reported that Thursday's strikes on the western fuel port of Ras Isa also resulted in 126 wounded. The U.S. military characterized the operation as an effort to cut off a fuel source for the Houthi militant group. When Reuters requested comment regarding the casualty figures reported by the Houthis and the U.S. military's estimate, U.S. Central Command […]
Minister Jack Chambers Questioned Over Past Planning Objections Despite Recent Housing Comments
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, who recently criticized planning objections based on "character of an area" concerns, is facing scrutiny over his past objection to a development that included apartments. This week, Chambers announced measures to accelerate infrastructure delivery. He stated that objections based on neighborhood character are "nebulous" and block housing supply goals. He claimed there are "countless examples" of people trying to "frustrate" housing development for the "broad public good." However, records show that in 2016, Chambers objected to a mixed-use Lidl development in Castleknock that included eight apartments. As a local TD then, he argued the project would "compromise and constrain the aesthetic and visual outlook" of the village. During an An Bord Pleanala hearing in 2017, he reportedly described the development as a "monstrosity" that "puts an atomic bomb under the conservation area." In his […]
Judge Rules Google Illegally Controls Online Ad Market As Tech Giant Faces Second Antitrust Defeat
A US judge has determined that Google maintains an illegal monopoly in online advertising technology, marking the tech giant's second antitrust loss within a year. The lawsuit, brought by the US Department of Justice and 17 states, successfully argued that Google illegally dominates the technology determining online ad placement. This ruling follows an earlier decision that found Google also held a monopoly in online search. Google has announced plans to appeal the decision. "Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective," stated Lee-Ann Mulholland, Google's head of regulatory affairs. In her ruling, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema declared Google had "wilfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts" allowing it to "acquire and maintain monopoly power" in the market. "This exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google's publisher customers, the competitive process, […]
Trump Slams Fed Chair Powell For Not Cutting Interest Rates Fast Enough
Donald Trump has criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates, declaring on social media that Powell's "termination cannot come fast enough!" The president's remarks came ahead of the European Central Bank's (ECB) third interest rate cut this year. On Thursday, the ECB reduced its key rate, citing "rising trade tensions" as a factor. Trump, who appointed Powell as Fed chair in 2017 during his first term, wrote that Powell "is always TOO LATE AND WRONG" regarding rate reductions. He added: "Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS. Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now." Contrary to Trump's claims, egg prices have actually increased to $6.23 per dozen according to official data, though oil prices have decreased […]
Be the first to leave a comment