Minnesota has become the center of a national storm after failing to comply with former President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from girls’ school sports.
The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from former NFL safety Jack Brewer, who blames the state’s stance on what he calls “demonic laws” and “leftist ideals.”
Brewer Speaks Out for Family and Community
Brewer, who maintains close family ties in Minnesota, described the situation as deeply personal.
“I still have plenty of family in Minnesota — nieces, nephews, cousins — and family members who coach high school sports there,” he told Fox News.
“They’re being held hostage to these dark and demonic laws. I feel for my little nieces who dream of being athletes and for my young cousins playing high school sports.”
He added that he feels compelled to speak up on behalf of those who cannot. “These are my people — that’s why I speak out.
It’s a sad reality that they’re being forced to raise their children around this sickness.”
Trump’s Executive Order and Federal Pressure
Trump issued his executive order in February, giving the federal government authority to withhold funding from states that allow transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports.
Brewer praised the measure and called on Congress to follow through on funding restrictions for states that resist compliance.
“President Trump is absolutely right to demand that men stay out of women’s sports,” Brewer said.
“When Congress is back in session, he should cut all federal funding to states that continue this insanity.
Minnesota has become the laughingstock of America — the embarrassment of our nation.”
Minnesota’s Legal and Athletic Landscape
Minnesota gained national attention earlier this year when a transgender softball pitcher led her team to a state championship.
The Trump administration later condemned the state, claiming that the Minnesota Department of Education and the State High School League were violating Title IX by allowing transgender students to compete in girls’ sports and use girls’ locker rooms.
Transgender athletes are reported to compete in sports such as Alpine and Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, and fastpitch softball.
Acting assistant secretary for civil rights Craig Trainor emphasized that the federal government would not allow states to sacrifice fairness or safety for female students in the name of gender ideology.
Brewer Targets Minnesota Leadership
Brewer specifically criticized Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, claiming they are pushing “leftist, satanic ideals” despite opposition from school boards.
“The world is watching as Minnesota has become the epicenter of this darkness — the devil’s den.
Something needs to change, and the people of Minnesota need to wake up,” Brewer said.
He also framed the debate in religious terms, warning that the nation is harming children by promoting what he considers immoral policies.
State Officials Push Back
Minnesota lawmakers and officials have largely dismissed religious arguments, citing the First Amendment and the constitutional separation of church and state.
Ellison defended policies protecting transgender students, stating: “Letting the very small number of transgender students in Minnesota play on their school sports teams doesn’t harm anyone, but segregating them does.”
Ellison further claimed that the Trump administration’s threats to cut funding overstep legal authority.
“The federal government’s threats violate the U.S. Constitution, Minnesota law, and Title IX itself.
I’m fighting to prevent these harmful cuts and protect the rights of all our students in Minnesota.”
Brewer’s Background
Jack Brewer, who played for the Minnesota Vikings after starring at the University of Minnesota, transitioned from a career in football to finance and politics.
Though once supportive of Democratic President Barack Obama, Brewer is now a staunch conservative and spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention.
He has also been involved in securing presidential pardons for figures like Lil Wayne and Kodak Black after Trump’s 2020 election loss.