Trump Clashes with Maine Governor Over Transgender Sports Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump faced off against Maine Governor Janet Mills during a meeting of governors at the White House on February 21, 2025, over his controversial executive order aimed at banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports.

In a heated exchange, Trump threatened to remove federal funding for Maine if it did not comply with the order. Mills responded defiantly, stating, “See you in court,” framing the dispute as a matter of constitutional rights.

The confrontation occurred during the National Governors Association’s winter summit and is part of Trump’s broader agenda to fulfill a campaign promise made during the 2024 election to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s categories.

Trump’s executive order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” was signed soon after his term began, asserting that it aims to create a fair and safe environment for women in sports. He stated, “With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over,” emphasizing the administration’s interpretation of Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.

Under the previous administration, schools that barred transgender students from participating in sports were said to be in violation of Title IX. The Trump administration has taken a contrasting stance, positing that preserving women’s sports to those assigned female at birth is essential for equity and safety.

Maine’s legislative response includes adherence to the Maine Human Rights Act, which bars discrimination based on gender identity. The governor expressed that federal laws cannot coerce state compliance with presidential mandates. “No President—Republican or Democrat—can withhold Federal funding authorized by Congress to force compliance,” Mills stated.

In a dinner speech, Trump identified Maine specifically, declaring, “We’re not going to give them any federal funding whatsoever until they clean that up.” Mills insisted that her administration would take all necessary legal actions against this threat to maintain federal educational funding for Maine’s schools.

During the White House gathering, Trump called out Mills, probing her intentions with respect to compliance. Mills affirmed her commitment to both state and federal laws, despite Trump’s insistence on retribution if she did not adhere to his demands.

“We are the federal law,” Trump remarked, reiterating his stance on the issue and expressing confidence in the public’s support for his view. Mills countered, insisting on the principle of law and equity for all students.

Following the altercation, the U.S. Department of Education confirmed an investigation into the Maine Department of Education regarding allegations of law violations pertaining to Title IX. The federal agency noted claims about male athletes participating in girls’ sports, which it deemed conflicting with antidiscrimination laws.

Mills vows to defend Maine’s rights against what she described as an unconstitutional threat from the federal government. “This is about whether a President can force compliance with his will without regard for the rule of law,” Mills articulated, emphasizing the vital role of legal statutes in American governance.

The Department of Education has indicated that penalties may apply to institutions or organizations that fail to uphold federal standards, raising concerns about the future of federal educational funding in states like Maine.

As the situation continues to unfold, officials from various educational institutions, including the Maine Principals’ Association, declare their commitment to ensuring inclusivity for transgender athletes, adhering to local laws that promote equal opportunities.