In a moment of open defiance, Maine governor Janet Mills pushed back against US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting on Friday, challenging his executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports.
Trump, speaking to a bipartisan group of governors, abruptly turned to the issue and asked if Maine was present. “Yeah,” Mills responded. “I’m here.”
The president questioned whether she intended to comply with his order. “I’m complying with state and federal laws,” she replied pointedly.
Trump insisted that “we are the federal law” and warned that Maine could lose federal funding if it did not follow his directive. “You better comply, you better comply, because, otherwise, you’re not getting any federal funding,” he said.
Mills didn’t back down. “See you in court,” she shot back.
Trump responded, “Good. I’ll see you in court. I look forward to that. That should be a real easy one.” Then, after a pause, he added, “And enjoy your life after governor, because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics.”
The tense exchange came as Trump has moved aggressively to reshape federal policy on gender and sports, with Republican lawmakers largely standing behind him. His administration argues that banning transgender female athletes from women’s sports is about fairness, while critics say it targets an already vulnerable group.
Shortly after Mills’ challenge, the US department of education notified Maine’s education commissioner, Pender Makin, that it had launched a “directed investigation” into the state’s handling of the issue. The letter cited reports that a school had allowed “at least one male student to compete in girls’ categories.”
The confrontation left an impression on those in the room. Hawaii governor Josh Green, a Democrat, noted that several governors found the exchange unsettling. “It seemed it was a little bit harsh – and it wasn’t yelling, but it was unnecessary conflict,” he said.
Furthermore, the Maine Principals’ Association announced it would continue allowing transgender female athletes to compete in high school sports, following the Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. However, the US department of education’s Office of Civil Rights launched an investigation into the state, claiming it violates federal antidiscrimination laws by allowing “male athletes” to compete in girls’ sports. The department warned that Maine must comply with Title IX as interpreted by the Trump administration if it wants to continue receiving federal education funds.
Maine governor Janet Mills and attorney general Aaron Frey have vowed to fight back, calling the investigation politically motivated. Mills has stated that the state “will not be intimidated” and promised legal action if federal funding is withheld. She argued the issue is not just about sports but about a president forcing compliance without regard for the rule of law. Frey also pledged to defend Maine’s laws against what he described as Trump’s bullying tactics. The executive order Trump signed earlier this month allows federal agencies to enforce compliance with his administration’s interpretation of Title IX, which defines “sex” based on birth assignment. Schools and organizations that refuse to comply risk losing federal funding.