In a heated exchange at the White House on Friday, President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills clashed over transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports, she told him “See you in court.”
The confrontation occurred during a meeting with governors, where Trump addressed his recent executive order banning transgender women and girls from competing in female sports categories.
“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,” he said.
He asked Janet Mills, “Are you not going to comply with it?” “I’m complying with state and federal laws,” Mills responded.
President Trump asserted that the federal government’s authority superseded state decisions, warning that failure to comply would result in a loss of federal funding.
In response, Governor Mills firmly stated that she would take the matter to court. Trump, visibly frustrated, welcomed the legal challenge, expressing confidence in his position and suggesting that Mills’ political future would be at risk as a result.
“You better do it because you’re not going to get federal funding,” Trump warned Mills, pressing for Maine’s compliance with the order. Governor Mills stood firm, responding, “We’re going to follow the law, sir. We’ll see you in court.”
Trump retorted, “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,” a visibly angry Trump replied.
The executive order, signed on February 5, 2025, directs federal agencies and state attorneys general to enforce a prohibition on transgender girls and women participating in women’s sports.
Supporters argue it ensures fairness in women’s athletics, while critics contend it infringes upon the rights of transgender athletes.
Following the White House confrontation, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights initiated an investigation into Maine’s policies.
The probe centers on whether the state’s allowance of transgender athletes in girls’ sports violates federal antidiscrimination laws, potentially jeopardizing $250 million in annual federal funding for Maine schools.
Governor Mills remained resolute, stating, “The State of Maine will not be intimidated by the President’s threats.”
She emphasized that any attempt to withhold federal funds would be met with legal action to restore the necessary resources for Maine’s students.
