In a tense meeting at the White House on Friday, former President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from Maine unless Governor Janet Mills complied with his executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports.

Trump Clashes with Maine Governor Over Transgender Athletes

During the meeting with state governors, Trump directly confronted Mills about her stance on the controversial policy.

“Are you not going to comply with it?” Trump asked.

“I’m complying with state and federal laws,” Mills responded.

Trump fired back, saying, “We are federal law. You better do it. You better do it, because you’re not going to get federal funding … Your population doesn’t want men in women’s sports.”

Unfazed, Mills replied, “We’ll see you in court.”

“Good. I’ll see you in court. I’ll look forward to that. That should be a real easy one,” Trump said. “And enjoy your life after, governor, because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics.”

Trump Administration Launches Investigation into Maine

Just hours after the exchange, the Trump administration initiated a federal civil rights investigation into Maine’s Department of Education. This move escalates tensions between the state and federal government as the legal battle looms.

Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating “the dangerous and unfair participation of men in women’s sports,” directing federal agencies to take immediate action against schools and organizations that allow transgender women and girls to compete in female sports divisions.

Maine Stands Firm Against Trump’s Policy

Governor Mills has vowed not to be intimidated by Trump’s threats.

“If the president attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine schoolchildren of the benefit of federal funding, my administration and the attorney general will take all appropriate and necessary legal action to restore that funding and the academic opportunity it provides,” she stated.

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that any attempt by the Trump administration to cut federal funding would be illegal and in direct violation of court orders.

“Fortunately, the rule of law still applies in this country, and I will do everything in my power to defend Maine’s laws and block efforts by the president to bully and threaten us,” Frey said.

Trump Administration Doubles Down on Anti-Transgender Policies

Trump’s executive order has already sparked nationwide controversy. It threatens to withhold funding from schools that allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports and pressures major athletic organizations, including the International Olympic Committee, to ban transgender athletes from competing in the U.S.

Legal Challenges Loom Over Trump’s Order

Following multiple lawsuits challenging his anti-transgender policies, courts across the country have blocked key aspects of Trump’s agenda, including his attempts to transfer transgender women to men’s facilities and to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth.

Despite the legal pushback, the Trump administration remains firm. Craig Trainor, the acting Education Secretary for civil rights, issued a statement reinforcing the administration’s stance.

“Maine would have you believe that it has no choice in how it treats women and girls in athletics—that is, that it must follow its state laws and allow male athletes to compete against women and girls,” Trainor said. “Let me be clear: If Maine wants to continue to receive federal funds from the Education Department, it has to follow Title IX. If it wants to forgo federal funds and continue to trample the rights of its young female athletes, that, too, is its choice.”

What’s Next?

With Governor Mills and the state of Maine standing their ground, a major legal battle is on the horizon. As the fight over transgender rights in sports intensifies, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for future policies at both state and federal levels.

Stay updated on the latest political developments by following our coverage of the ongoing dispute between Maine and the Trump administration.