President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Maine will face the withholding of federal funding due to the state’s decision to allow transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports. This announcement follows a recent incident where a transgender-identifying boy won first place in the girls’ pole vaulting event at the Maine Class B state championship.
In January, Maine’s Department of Education publicly stated its intention to defy Trump’s executive order titled “Keeping Men Out Of Women’s Sports.” The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) also expressed its commitment to permit male athletes to participate in girls’ sports, disregarding the federal directive.
During a press event, Trump expressed his disbelief over the situation in Maine, stating, “I heard men are still playing in Maine. We’re not gonna give any federal money. They are still saying, ‘We want men to play in women’s sports.’ And I cannot believe they’re doing that.” He emphasized that federal funding would be withheld until the state rectified its stance on the matter.
The controversy gained attention from Maine Republican state lawmaker Laurel Libby, who highlighted the issue on social media. She pointed out that the transgender athlete, who previously competed as a boy, had won a championship title in the girls’ category, raising concerns about fairness in women’s sports. Libby criticized the MPA’s decision, claiming it jeopardizes the safety and competitive integrity of female athletes.
In her statement, Libby urged the Trump administration to intervene, asserting that the current policy violates the executive order and undermines the opportunities for female athletes. She called for swift action to restore a level playing field in sports for girls in Maine.
Following Trump’s announcement, Libby expressed her support for the president’s position, stating on social media that his intervention was necessary to protect girls’ sports in the state.
This development highlights the ongoing national debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports, particularly in categories traditionally designated for women. The situation in Maine serves as a focal point for discussions surrounding fairness, safety, and the rights of student-athletes across the country.