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I want to address the protests in Augusta on March 1, where some rallied against Gov. Janet Mills for allowing transgender kids to participate in girls’ sports, while others supported her stance in protecting everyone’s rights under state and federal law.
President Donald Trump recently threatened Mills and the state of Maine for not following his “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order, threatening to cut federal funding to our schools. Let’s keep our eyes wide open to what he was really attempting here.
This wasn’t really about an issue concerning girls’ sports, but about pushing his broader agenda, which includes dismantling the Department of Education. His threat was likely meant to shift responsibility from him and blur the lines of accountability.
The controversy over transgender athletes likely is being used as a diversion for Trump’s bigger plan. The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 (set in motion over two years ago) aims to eliminate the Department of Education, which would probably lead to significant cuts to Maine schools, higher taxes, and potentially privatized education. This would harm low-income families’ access to education and affect school sports and programs.
Mills’ actions are not just about protecting trans kids; they’re about protecting all students, schools, and families in Maine from this destructive agenda. Don’t let Trump fool you into believing he really cares about girls’ sports. He’s already made it very clear he doesn’t believe women matter.
Please take this to heart the next time you want to get out there and protest.
Gabrielle Cormier
Bangor
