In a growing standoff over women’s sports, several states are challenging federal authority. The dispute centers on whether biological males should be allowed to compete in female athletic categories.

State officials in Maine, Minnesota, and California have signaled resistance to federal guidelines. Their opposition has created tension between state governments and Washington.

Traditional women’s sports advocates argue that biological differences provide unfair advantages. Scientific research consistently shows males possess greater muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular capacity than females.

The brewing conflict erupted into public view during a dramatic White House confrontation between President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills. The exchange came after a biological male took first place in girls’ pole vaulting at Maine’s Class B state championship—a perfect example of exactly what the administration is trying to prevent.

“Is Maine here? The governor of Maine? Are you not going to comply with it?” Trump asked.

“I’ll comply with state and federal law,” Mills responded.

“We are the federal law,” Trump told her. “You better do it. Because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t.”

“And by the way, your population, even though it is somewhat liberal — although I did very well there — your population doesn’t want men playing in women’s sports,” the president added. “You better comply because otherwise you’re not getting any federal funding.”

The clash highlights the administration’s determination to enforce its executive order protecting women’s sports from male participation. President Trump signed the measure earlier this year, declaring that allowing men and boys to compete against women and girls is “demeaning, unfair, and dangerous.”

And honestly, who could disagree with that common-sense assessment?

President Trump absolutely roasted the Governor of Maine (Janet Mills Dem) for failing to follow new federal guidelines that keep men out of women's sports.

Gov. Mills didn't look too happy after the beatdown. pic.twitter.com/NcQmjRCpnL

— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) February 21, 2025

Maine Challenges Federal Authority

Maine has emerged as the focal point of resistance to federal policy. Indeed, Governor Mills has openly questioned the Trump administration’s authority to dictate state athletic policies.

The confrontation follows Mills’ chief of staff reportedly cursing at a Trump official over the same topic before storming out of a meeting. Mills’ office later denied the incident occurred. Isn’t that just typical of the progressive playbook? Deny, deflect, and distract from the real issue.

President Trump had previously announced his administration would withhold federal funding from Maine following news of the pole vault championship.

“I heard men are still playing in Maine,” Trump said. “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.”

The Maine incident has become a rallying point for conservatives concerned about protecting women’s athletic opportunities. Many parents and female athletes have expressed frustration over biological males competing against girls. Can you imagine training your entire life only to have your opportunities stolen by someone with inherent physical advantages?

DOJ Issues Warning To Defiant States

Attorney General Pam Bondi escalated the federal response on Tuesday by issuing formal warning letters to officials in Maine, Minnesota, and California.

“This Department of Justice will defend women and does not tolerate state officials who ignore federal law,” Bondi stated. “We will leverage every legal option necessary to ensure state compliance with federal law and President Trump’s Executive Order protecting women’s sports.”

Check out Bondi’s full letter below.

Pam Bondi vows to bring the hammer of justice to Maine.

Here's the full letter she wrote to @GovJanetMills: pic.twitter.com/e79oa4AXKU

— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) February 25, 2025

Bondi’s letter reminds officials that allowing males to compete in female sports violates Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972. The law guarantees women equal opportunity to participate in competitive sports.

I’ve never understood how the same people who claim to champion women’s rights can so quickly abandon those principles when it comes to transgender ideology. The cognitive dissonance is astounding.

The Department of Education has also launched Title IX investigations into Maine’s Department of Education. Meanwhile, the USDA announced it has initiated a “compliance review” of the University of Maine.

Multiple Agencies Join Enforcement Effort

The coordinated federal response demonstrates the administration’s whole-of-government approach to enforcing the executive order. Multiple agencies are now involved in ensuring compliance.

When Mills suggested the dispute would end up in court, Trump welcomed the challenge.

“Good, I’ll see you in court,” he responded. “I look forward to that, that should be a real easy one. And enjoy your life after governor, because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics.”

The administration’s stance has received support from female athletes who have lost opportunities to biological males in competition. Many have spoken out about the physical disadvantages they face.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about politics—it’s about biology. Men and women are different. These differences matter in athletic competition. No amount of progressive ideology can erase the reality of chromosomes and hormones.

Conservative lawmakers across the country have praised the administration’s decisive action. They view it as necessary protection for women’s hard-won athletic opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration is leveraging federal funding to force compliance with women’s sports protections.
• Maine faces investigations from multiple federal agencies after allowing a biological male to win a girls’ championship.
• Attorney General Bondi’s warning letters signal a no-tolerance approach to states ignoring federal law.
• The administration’s stance affirms biological reality over gender ideology in protecting women’s athletic opportunities.

Source: Daily Wire