WASHINGTON: A heated exchange erupted between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills on Friday over his recent executive order barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. The Democratic governor firmly opposed the measure, responding to Trump’s threats of cutting federal funding with a defiant, “See you in court.”
Trump, speaking at a televised meeting of U.S. governors at the White House, defended his executive action, which was signed earlier in the month.
“Two weeks ago, I signed an executive order prohibiting biological males from competing in women’s sports. Many Democrats are challenging this, but I welcome the opposition because it will cost them politically,” Trump stated.
He justified the ban as a measure “to protect women’s sports.”
Turning to Governor Mills, he asked, “Are you refusing to comply with this order?”
Mills responded, “I am adhering to both state and federal laws.”
Trump, visibly frustrated, replied, “We are the federal law. You better comply, or you won’t receive a single dollar in federal funding.”
Mills stood her ground, saying, “See you in court.”
“Good, I look forward to it. That will be an easy case. And enjoy life after being governor, because I doubt you’ll have a future in elected politics,” Trump retorted angrily.
Trump’s executive order grants federal agencies the authority to withhold funds from schools that allow transgender athletes to compete on female teams.
Despite the directive, officials in Maine have indicated they have no plans to alter their current policies, which permit transgender students to participate in sports based on their gender identity, in accordance with the Maine Human Rights Act, as reported by the Portland Press Herald.
Both Governor Mills and the state attorney general have pledged to fight any federal attempt to withdraw funding, the newspaper noted.
Transgender rights, particularly in the context of youth sports, have become a focal point of Republican campaigning ahead of the 2024 election, fueling ongoing cultural debates over LGBTQ+ policies.
Since returning to the political spotlight, Trump has consistently taken a hardline stance against gender diversity and transgender rights, targeting gender-affirming care for minors and enacting executive actions limiting transgender participation in sports.
His latest policy has been met with strong opposition from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which condemned it as “another harmful attack on transgender individuals.”
Additionally, Trump has signaled plans to pressure the International Olympic Committee to revise its regulations on transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.