Trump Administration Refers Minnesota Transgender Athletes Probe to DOJ, Threatening Federal Education Funds

The Trump administration on Monday referred federal investigations into the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League to the U.S. Department of Justice — a move that can precede litigation and the potential withholding of federal education funds.

In September, the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services announced probes and concluded that Minnesota violated Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination, by allowing transgender students to compete on girls' teams. Federal officials say the state declined a proposed resolution and refused to negotiate, prompting the referral to the DOJ.

What's at Issue

Federal officials framed the referral as an effort to compel Minnesota to follow the Trump administration's revised Title IX guidance and executive actions that restrict transgender athletes' participation in women's and girls' sports. Referring an investigation to the Justice Department often signals a transition from administrative enforcement to possible legal action, which could ultimately jeopardize federal funding for state schools.

Responses and Legal Fight

The Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has pushed back, arguing the state is defending vulnerable students and has sued to prevent any attempt to cut federal funding.

“We sued to stop the administration from bullying vulnerable children,” Attorney General Keith Ellison said, and the state has issued legal guidance clarifying that Minnesota law continues to allow students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity.

Political Context

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and other federal officials said the referral follows Minnesota's refusal in December to accept a proposed resolution agreement. The federal action also comes amid an intensified federal focus on Minnesota, including expanded immigration enforcement and scrutiny of state programs following allegations of fraud tied to state administration.

The referral to DOJ does not itself cut funding; rather, it moves the matter into a phase that can lead to litigation or administrative steps that might result in the loss of federal education dollars if authorities find continued noncompliance with Title IX.