President Trump and Maine Governor Clash Over Transgender Athlete Policy

President Trump engaged in a heated exchange with Maine’s Democratic Governor, Janet Mills, at a White House event on Friday, concerning the state’s pushback against an executive order aimed at preventing transgender student athletes from joining girls’ sports teams.

Earlier this month, Trump signed an order instructing the federal government to “withdraw all funds from educational programs that deny fair athletic opportunities to women and girls.” Following this order, the NCAA amended its policy on transgender athletes to restrict participation in women’s sports to those identified as female at birth.

Despite this federal stance, the Maine Principals’ Association, responsible for overseeing school sports in the state, declared its intent to continue permitting trans girls to compete, citing a conflict with state law.

At a governors’ gathering, Trump asked Governor Mills if Maine would adhere to the order. Mills responded, emphasizing her commitment to “state and federal law.”

“Well, we are the federal law,” Trump retorted. “You’d better comply, or you won’t receive any federal funding.”

Mills replied confidently, “See you in court.”

“Great, I’ll look forward to that,” Trump responded. “This should be an easy case. Enjoy your post-gubernatorial life, as I doubt you’ll hold elected office again.”

Following this confrontation, Mills issued a statement asserting that “if the President tries to unilaterally strip Maine’s school children of federal funding, my Administration and the Attorney General will undertake all necessary legal measures to restore that funding and the educational opportunities it affords. The State of Maine refuses to be bullied by President Trump’s threats.”

The Trump administration claims that Title IX, the law preventing sexual discrimination in federally funded education programs, mandates proactive measures to “safeguard female athletic opportunities and maintain all-female locker rooms.”

In 2024, then-President Joe Biden’s administration released an interpretation of Title IX safeguarding rights based on gender identity and sexual orientation. However, a federal judge overturned these guidelines in January, and Trump immediately reinstated an executive order defining U.S. recognition solely based on biological sex.

This order is now being contested by students in New Hampshire.