Trump Clashes with Maine Governor Over Transgender Athlete Ban

U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with Maine Governor Janet Mills on Friday, after she pushed back against his executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

The confrontation occurred during a televised meeting with state governors at the White House, where Trump defended the policy, signed earlier this month.

“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 stated.

He claimed the order was necessary "to protect women" before directly questioning Mills:

“Are you not going to comply with it?”

Governor Mills Pushes Back

Mills responded, saying she would follow both state and federal laws.

"I'm complying with state and federal laws," she said.

Trump, appearing frustrated, insisted:

"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 refused to back down, firing back with:

“See you in court.”

Trump, visibly irritated, shot 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.”

Maine Officials Vow to Fight Funding Threat

Trump’s executive order empowers federal agencies to cut funding to schools that allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.

However, some Maine officials have stated they will not comply, citing protections under the Maine Human Rights Act. According to the Portland Press Herald, Mills and the state’s attorney general have vowed to challenge any attempts to withhold federal funding in court.

This latest clash highlights the ongoing legal and political battle over transgender rights and state-versus-federal authority in U.S. education and sports policy.