Stephen King, an acclaimed author and “Maine Man”, has expressed his public support for Maine governor Janet Mills who challenged Donald Trump‘s position on transgender sportspeople. King’s X declaration highlights a debate that is growing around federal funding laws and state antidiscrimination legislation.
Maine’s Position on Transgender Athletes
After Governor Mills confronted Trump over his threats to withdraw federal funding to Maine because of the state’s policies on transgender athletes, a conflict developed. Maine’s anti-discrimination laws prohibit organizations from banning people based on their gender identity. Trump’s Administration, however, interprets Title IX as defining “sex,” which is the gender assigned to a person at birth. This could jeopardize federal funding for schools who allow transgender girls and women to take part in sports.
The issue was further amplified when a male athlete competed previously in Maine in the category of a female pole vaulter. The U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation after this to investigate Maine’s Education Department and the School Administrative District No. 51, alleging Title IX violation. The purpose of the investigation is to see if Maine’s state-level policies conform with federal interpretations regarding Title IX and specifically transgender athletes participating in sports.
Stephen King’s Maine Roots
Stephen King’s support of Governor Mills is a powerful one. King, who was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, has deep ties to this state. King started his writing while teaching English in Hampden in Hampden Maine. King and his wife Tabitha King have maintained their Maine presence even after they achieved international fame.
King is a strong supporter of local charities in Maine, and has contributed actively to literary and library programs. The dedication of King to Maine’s communities is evident in his love for his native state.
Governor Janet Mills, to Trump:
It makes me proud to call myself a Maineman.
You are a hero, Governor.— Stephen King (@StephenKing) February 21, 2025
Reactions on the Dispute
What key figures said about Trump’s administration’s demands that executive orders be followed:
- Stephen King’s X “Governor Janet Mills to Trump: ‘See you in court.’ It makes me proud to call Maine home. “Thank you for taking on the bully, Governor.”
- Maine Governor Janet Mills said: The Attorney General and my Administration will do everything necessary to ensure that Maine students receive the Federal funds they are entitled to. Maine’s state government will not be intimidated.
- Susan Collins (Maine Republican Senator) said: “I am against the president’s efforts to reduce funding for Maine, and I will fight vigorously for Maine’s share of federal funding. I reiterate that transgender individuals must be treated with respect and dignity. It is vital that state officials remember the true intent of Title IX and not just the successes that have resulted.
What are the wider implications?
Maine’s clash with the Trump Administration has wider implications on educational institutions throughout the nation, regarding compliance and treatment of transgender children. U.S. Department of Education examines educational policies of other states, such as California and Minnesota. This is part of a national effort to ensure compliance with President Trump’s interpretation of Title IX. This illustrates the continuing tension between federal directives and local initiatives to promote diversity and inclusivity in schools.