U.S. President Donald Trump had a tense exchange with Maine Governor Janet Mills on Friday over his executive order barring transgender athletes from women’s sports, setting the stage for a potential legal battle.
During a White House meeting with governors, Trump touted his recent decision to prohibit “men from playing in women’s sports,” claiming it was designed to “protect women.”
However, the order has sparked backlash, particularly from Democratic leaders who view it as discriminatory.
When Trump directly questioned Mills about compliance, she firmly responded, “I’m complying with state and federal laws.” Trump fired back, asserting, “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’ defiance suggests that legal challenges could be imminent, as civil rights groups and Democratic-led states have previously opposed similar policies. The governor’s parting words; “See you in court” hint at a brewing courtroom battle over states’ rights and federal mandates.
Trump, who has made transgender issues a rallying point for his conservative base, framed the executive order as a common-sense protection for female athletes. Critics argue it is a politically charged move aimed at marginalizing transgender individuals.
