State Launches Preemptive Legal Strike on Trump DOJ Over Transgender Sports Retaliation

ST. PAUL, MN (June 11, 2025) — Minnesota has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the constitutionality of an executive order that threatens to withhold federal funding from states supporting transgender athletes. The lawsuit, led by Attorney General Keith Ellison, seeks to block enforcement of the order, arguing it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and exceeds the administration’s authority.

The executive order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” mandates that federally funded institutions comply with a narrow definition of sex based solely on reproductive biology. The Trump administration contends that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports constitutes a violation of Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education. However, Minnesota law protects transgender rights, and state officials argue that the federal order infringes upon state sovereignty and individual rights.

The lawsuit highlights the tension between federal directives and state laws that protect transgender individuals from discrimination. Minnesota officials assert that the executive order undermines the state’s commitment to inclusivity and equal rights for all students. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the interpretation of Title IX and the balance of power between federal and state authorities.

As the case progresses, it is expected to draw national attention and could set a precedent for similar challenges in other states. Advocates for transgender rights view this lawsuit as a critical step in defending the rights of transgender individuals, particularly in the realm of education and athletics.

The Trump administration has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit. Legal experts anticipate that the case will be closely watched, as it addresses fundamental questions about civil rights, federalism, and the scope of executive power.

The legal proceedings are ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming months.