The Democratic governor of Maine, Janet Mills, made it clear to President Donald Trump in the White House state dining room that she is prepared to take legal action to challenge his directives aimed at limiting the participation of transgender athletes in school sports.
Challenging Trump's Executive Order
During a gathering of governors from both parties at the White House, Trump highlighted his executive order that bars transgender athletes from competing on teams that correspond with their gender identity, citing immediate compliance from the NCAA. The order mandates that athletes compete based on their assigned sex at birth.
Turning to Governor Mills, Trump inquired about her stance on his executive order.
Responding firmly, Mills asserted, "I will adhere to both state and federal laws."
Trump warned that failure to comply would result in the withholding of federal funding, emphasizing that the public in Maine opposes the inclusion of men in women's sports.
Standing Firm on State Rights
Undeterred by the pressure, Governor Mills reiterated her commitment to upholding the law, stating, "We will abide by the law, sir." She further declared, "I will see you in court."
This exchange not only underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding transgender athletes but also highlights the challenges faced by governors in navigating the policies of a new administration willing to leverage federal funds to advance its agenda.
Legal Action Threat and Resolve
In a subsequent statement, Governor Mills reaffirmed her intent to challenge any attempts by the President to deprive Maine students of federal funding. She affirmed, "If the President seeks to unilaterally withhold federal funding from Maine schools, my administration and the Attorney General will pursue all necessary legal avenues to restore funding and the educational opportunities it provides." She concluded, "Maine will not be intimidated by the President's ultimatums."