A heated exchange took place between U.S. President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills during a gathering of state governors at the White House on Friday. The confrontation stemmed from Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, a move that has sparked intense debate across the country.
During his televised remarks, Trump referenced the executive order he signed earlier this month, saying, “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.” He claimed the measure was intended to “protect women.”
Addressing Governor Mills directly, Trump asked if she intended to comply with the order. Mills responded, “I’m complying with state and federal laws.”
Trump, visibly frustrated, countered, “Well, we are the federal law… You better do it, because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t.”
Mills did not back down, replying, “See you in court.”
Trump fired back, “Good, I’ll see you in court. I look forward to that. That should be a real easy one. And enjoy your life after governor, because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics.”
The order grants federal agencies the authority to withhold funding from schools that allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. However, some Maine officials have stated they will uphold state policies, which permit transgender students to choose the teams they compete on under the Maine Human Rights Act.
The legal battle escalated later on Friday when the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced an investigation into Maine’s education department. The probe focuses on allegations that the state has violated Title IX, a federal law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funding.
In a statement, Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, said Maine must comply with Title IX to continue receiving federal funds. “If it wants to forgo federal funds and continue to trample the rights of its young female athletes, that, too, is its choice,” he stated.
Governor Mills denounced the investigation, calling it a “politically directed move” aimed at cutting funds that Maine taxpayers contribute to. She argued that the dispute extends beyond sports, saying, “This is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation.”
Republicans have continued to push transgender issues to the forefront of national debates, particularly in the context of youth sports. Trump has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of gender diversity recognition, taking steps to block gender-affirming care for minors and advocating for changes to international sports regulations. He has also vowed to pressure the International Olympic Committee to revise its policies on transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
