U.S. President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills engaged in a tense confrontation on Friday over his recent executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Mills, a Democrat, made it clear she would challenge the directive in court.
During a televised meeting with state governors at the White House, Trump reiterated his stance, highlighting the order he had signed earlier in the month.
“Two weeks ago, I signed an executive order banning men from participating in women’s sports.
“Many Democrats are opposing me, but I hope they continue because they’ll never win another election,” Trump declared.
He defended the move as a measure to “protect women.”
Turning to Mills, the president pressed her on whether she would comply. “Are you refusing to follow it?” he asked.
“I am following state and federal laws,” Mills replied.
Trump responded forcefully, asserting, “Well, we are the federal law… You better comply because you won’t receive any federal funding otherwise.”
Mills remained defiant. “See you in court,” she shot back.
Trump, visibly irritated, welcomed the legal challenge. “Good, I’ll see you in court. That should be an easy win.
“And enjoy your life after governor because I doubt you’ll have a future in politics,” he said.
The executive order authorizes federal agencies to withhold funding from schools that permit transgender athletes to join women’s teams.
However, officials in Maine have indicated they will continue allowing transgender students to compete based on their gender identity, in line with state law under the Maine Human Rights Act, as reported by the Portland Press Herald.
Both Mills and Maine’s attorney general have vowed to fight any attempt to cut off federal funding.
Federal investigation launched
On Friday, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced it was investigating Maine’s education department for potential violations of Title IX, the federal law prohibiting gender-based discrimination in schools receiving federal aid.
A department statement alleged that Maine permits male athletes to participate in girls’ sports and denies female athletes access to female-only facilities, actions deemed violations of federal law.
Craig Trainor, acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, stressed that compliance with Title IX is necessary to maintain federal funding.
“If Maine chooses to forgo federal funding to continue infringing on the rights of young female athletes, that is its decision,” he stated.
Mills dismissed the investigation as politically motivated, accusing the administration of attempting to punish her state financially.
“This isn’t just about sports—it’s about whether a president can impose his will without regard for the rule of law,” she argued.
The dispute highlights how transgender rights, particularly in youth sports, have become a focal point in the political landscape.
Republicans have increasingly used the issue to attack Democrats, particularly during the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Since returning to office, Trump has intensified his rhetoric against gender diversity, issuing executive actions targeting transgender rights and gender-affirming care for minors.
He has also vowed to push the International Olympic Committee to revise its policies on transgender athletes before the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
