- Trump and Maine’s governor clashed over a transgender athlete ban.
- Mills refused to comply, prompting a legal battle.
- The federal government launched an investigation into Maine’s policies.
A heated confrontation erupted Friday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills over the administration’s executive order barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
The Democratic governor defiantly told Trump, “See you in court,” after he warned states to comply or risk losing federal funding.
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Eko Hot Blog reports that the exchange took place during a televised meeting with U.S. governors at the White House, where Trump touted his recent executive order.
“Two weeks ago, I signed an executive order banning men from playing in women’s sports. Many Democrats are fighting me on that. I hope you continue because you’ll never win another race,” Trump declared.
Trump claimed the measure was meant to “protect women” and directly challenged Governor Mills on whether she would comply.
“I’m complying with state and federal laws,” Mills responded.
“Well, we are the federal law,” Trump shot back. “You better do it because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t.”
“See you in court,” Mills retorted.
“Good, I’ll see you in court. I look forward to that,” a visibly frustrated Trump replied. “That should be a real easy one. And enjoy your life after governor, because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics.”
Legal Battle Looms
Trump’s order, signed earlier this month, allows federal agencies to withhold funding from schools that permit transgender athletes to compete on women’s teams. Maine officials have said they will continue to follow their own state law, which permits transgender students to play on teams aligning with their gender identity under the Maine Human Rights Act.
Mills and Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey have vowed to fight any federal attempt to strip funding from the state, according to local media reports.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced an investigation into Maine’s education department for alleged violations of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded educational institutions.
“If it wants to forgo federal funds and continue to trample the rights of its young female athletes, that, too, is its choice,” said Craig Trainor, acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education.
Mills denounced the investigation as a “politically directed move” designed to punish the state for opposing Trump’s directive.
“This is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation,” she said.
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The clash underscores the broader culture war over transgender rights, an issue Republicans heavily campaigned on in the 2024 election.
Since his return to office, Trump has taken a hardline stance against gender diversity, vowing to push the International Olympic Committee to change its policies on transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
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