Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer has voiced strong criticism toward Minnesota’s policies allowing transgender athletes in girls’ sports, calling them ‘dark and demonic,’ as the state faces potential federal funding cuts for violating Title IX. The Trump administration had imposed a deadline on states to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports, but Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison cited the government shutdown to avoid compliance, claiming he lacks a ‘substantive response’ to the ultimatum. Brewer, who also served as the University of Minnesota’s football team captain, has family and young relatives in the state, stating that they are ‘being held hostage’ by these policies. He argues that the current state laws endanger girls’ sports and safety, while Ellison defended the policies, claiming they do not harm anyone, and has already filed a lawsuit against Trump’s administration for enforcing Title IX. School board members across Minnesota have urged the state to comply with Trump’s deadline, citing concerns for girls’ privacy and safety, but Ellison and Governor Tim Walz have resisted these calls. The controversy has sparked a national debate, with Brewer calling on the state to change its stance. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has already filed lawsuits against educational agencies in Maine and California for similar violations, and a referral for Minnesota is now likely when the government reopens. Brewer has also cited his Christian beliefs, drawing on biblical references to argue against the policies, emphasizing the need to protect children’s futures. The situation underscores a growing political divide over issues of gender identity in sports, with conservative leaders like Brewer and Trump criticizing the current policies, while officials like Ellison defend them, claiming they are essential for protecting transgender rights and ensuring equal access in sports programs.