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Trump administration escalates legal battle over transgender athletes in Maine

By Scores.wiki Staff · March 25, 2026 at 09:37 PM ET

The Trump administration is suing Maine's education department for allegedly violating federal laws by allowing transgender girls to participate in girls' sports. The dispute between the Republican administration and Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has escalated, leading to threats of cutting off federal funding and legal action.

Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines has joined Attorney General Pam Bondi in advocating for women's rights in sports and opposing the inclusion of transgender athletes on girls' teams. The lawsuit stems from a disagreement over the interpretation of Title IX antidiscrimination law and reflects a shift in policies on gender identity issues between Democratic and Republican administrations.

The lawsuit follows Trump's executive order to prevent transgender individuals from participating in sports based on their gender identity. Maine officials have contested the administration's stance, arguing that schools should have the discretion to allow transgender athletes to compete. The legal battle highlights the broader political debate surrounding transgender rights and the ongoing legal challenges to Trump's executive orders on gender identity.