In a first-of-its-kind move, the Trump administration has initiated a cutoff of federal K-12 education funding for an entire state. On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education began terminating funding to the Maine Department of Education, citing the state’s refusal to comply with federal Title IX interpretations concerning transgender students.
The Department accused Maine of violating civil rights by allowing transgender students access to girls’ locker rooms, restrooms, and athletic teams. Officials claim this policy breaches Title IX protections for female students. In response, the Department referred the case to the U.S. Department of Justice for enforcement, a rare and aggressive step historically reserved for the most serious violations.
Craig Trainor, the acting assistant education secretary for civil rights, defended the action. He stated, “The Department has given Maine every opportunity to comply with Title IX, but the state’s leaders have instead prioritized an extremist ideological agenda.” He warned Governor Janet Mills that she would now “see the Trump Administration in court.”
Governor Mills, however, maintains that Maine is not violating federal law. She described the investigation as politically motivated and questioned whether the president can impose his will without following legal processes. “This is not just about who can compete in athletics,” she said, “but about upholding the rule of law in our nation.”
A Rapid and Unusual Investigation
The Department of Education launched the investigation on February 21, 2025, just days after a public dispute between Mills and Trump over transgender athlete policies. It was a “directed investigation,” meaning the Department initiated it without a public complaint. The probe concluded in less than a month, raising concerns among civil rights advocates about its legitimacy and speed.
Typically, Title IX investigations take months or even years. They involve interviews, fact-finding, and negotiations aimed at reaching voluntary compliance agreements. In contrast, the Trump administration gave Maine just ten days to sign a draft resolution.
Draft Agreement and State Rejection
The proposed agreement would have redefined “female” and “male” based strictly on biological reproductive functions. It also equated “gender” with “sex” and required the state to issue formal apologies to cisgender girls who may have competed against transgender athletes. The state declined to sign the agreement.
After the refusal, the Department warned on March 31 that it would escalate the case to the Justice Department by April 11. That same day, Trainor declared, “The Trump-McMahon Education Department is moving quickly to end illegal practices that harm women and girls.”
Shift in Federal Enforcement
Although the Education Department has long held the authority to cut federal funds over noncompliance, past administrations rarely exercised it—especially not over Title IX disputes. The Association of Title IX Administrators noted that this marked a significant departure from traditional enforcement methods.
In just three months, the Department has threatened to revoke over $9.5 billion from Ivy League institutions, citing alleged violations of Title VI and Title IX related to antisemitism and LGBTQ+ policies. It has also issued funding threats to more than 60 colleges and several school districts, signaling a broader crackdown.
A Legal Battle Ahead
With the case now in the hands of the Justice Department, Maine and the federal government appear headed for a major legal showdown. The outcome could shape how Title IX is interpreted and enforced nationwide, particularly on issues involving gender identity and student rights.
This action marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s approach to civil rights in education. Whether it sets a new precedent or gets overturned in court remains to be seen.
