At a recent Governors Association meeting, former President Donald Trump and Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills intensely debated the role of transgender athletes in women’s sports. The conversation escalated when Trump warned of defunding the University of Maine unless compliance with his executive order was observed. The university’s compliance did little to calm the tension, as Trump demanded an apology from Mills, revealing profound disagreements over gender policies in sports.
Federal Funding and Compliance
President Trump confronted Governor Mills, asserting that federal funding for the University of Maine could be revoked if they didn’t adhere to an executive order that barred men from participating in women’s sports. Trump emphasized the importance of preserving fair competition for female athletes.
Maine has continued to allow transgender athletes to compete, and Gov. Janet Mills told Trump that Maine is complying with state and federal laws. After Trump threatened to withhold federal funding, Mills told Trump, “We’ll see you in court.” https://t.co/nPu5HqqRjg
— WLOS (@WLOS_13) February 25, 2025
The University of Maine eventually complied with the executive order, aligning with federal directives to avoid the loss of funding. This compliance reinforced support from those advocating for traditional sports divisions but further ignited the debate between Mills and Trump.
The Demand for an Apology
Following the university’s compliance, President Trump demanded an apology from Governor Mills for her defense of policies that undermined women’s sports. The interaction reflected more profound philosophical differences regarding legislative processes and executive power.
President Trump had a testy exchange with Maine Governor Janet Mills over his threat to withhold federal funding from the state unless it bans transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. https://t.co/MgobLFih1s
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) February 21, 2025
“My issue is about the rule of law, pure and simple. It’s not about transgender sports; it’s about who makes and enforces the laws.” – Janet Mills.
Governor Mills refused to apologize, arguing that her stance centered on the rule of law rather than on the specific nuances of transgender athletes. She critiqued what she perceived as executive overreach, maintaining her argument that lasting policy changes belong within the legislative branches.
Broader Implications and Criticism
Mills extended her criticisms beyond transgender athlete policies to address other issues like abortion and tariffs, albeit indirectly. Her comments underscored her broader dissatisfaction with specific federal approaches, noting the need for a more comprehensive focus on women’s health and economic concerns.
The clash highlights ongoing cultural and political divides over gender in sports. Critics argue that Mills supports policies that compromise fairness for female athletes, reflecting larger societal debates about gender identity and equity. Amid this contentious debate, many Americans oppose men competing in female sports categories.