Education Secretary Linda McMahon recently spoke with Fox News Digital during a stop at an independent women’s forum bus tour in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She’s a prominent advocate for the Trump administration’s push to include transgender athletes in women’s sports. As part of her role, she’s instructed the Department of Education to initiate several Title IX investigations where necessary.
Just five months into her role, McMahon is leading efforts to establish a federal Title IX Investigation Team in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Meanwhile, the debate around this topic in the nation seems to be intensifying. Conservative figures like Press Director Caroline Levitt and influencer Riley Gaines have suggested possible criminal charges for officials who permit biological males to compete in women’s sports. Recent high school sports events have seen female athletes protesting against their transgender counterparts, whether through forfeits or demonstrations on medal podiums.
When asked about the potential for criminal prosecution against officials who fail to enforce Title IX regarding transgender participation in girls’ sports, McMahon said, “I haven’t actually addressed that with the Department of Justice, but if the president asks us to explore it, we absolutely would.”
On another note, McMahon emphasized the significance of female athletes standing up against lawmakers who don’t enforce Title IX. She stated, “It’s crucial. I commended them today for taking a stand and encouraged them to keep it up. These athletes deserve the right to compete with their peers.” She added, “We support them in their fight for their rights.”
Also in discussion was the risk for states like California, Maine, and Minnesota that may be ignoring federal directives following an executive order from President Trump. McMahon pointed out that federal funding may be at stake and emphasized the Department of Education’s commitment to investigating Title IX violations.
