Trump Ramps Up Pressure On Maine Governor After Public Defiance Over Women’s Sports
Maine Gov. Janet Mills is facing intense scrutiny after openly rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order barring men from competing in women’s sports. Following her refusal, federal authorities launched an investigation into whether the state is violating Title IX protections for female athletes.
During a White House meeting with governors, Trump questioned Mills on whether Maine would comply with his order. Mills avoided answering directly, saying the state would follow state and federal law. Trump immediately responded, making it clear that the federal government sets the law and that Maine would lose all federal funding if it refused to comply.
MUST WATCH: This is one of the most epic exchanges ever between Trump and the Governor of Maine pic.twitter.com/mqjTVBStZi
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 21, 2025
Mills pushed back, telling Trump, “See you in court.” Trump fired back, saying he welcomed the challenge and predicting she would not have a political future after her term ends.
Maine Governor Janet Mills defies President Trump on the issue of men in women's athletics.
Says to the President, " I'll see you in court."
Six hours later, the Office of Civil Rights announced they were investigating Maine for Title IX violations.
BOOM! pic.twitter.com/LtKtENmm1L— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) February 22, 2025
Within hours of the confrontation, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced it had opened an investigation into the Maine Department of Education. The agency cited reports that the state continues to allow male athletes to compete in girls’ sports, including at Greely High School.
Trump pretty much ended Janet Mills career today.
The Governor of Maine decided men in women’s sports is the hill to die on.
Your future ain’t looking good Governor! pic.twitter.com/UMPNAuHnKP
— The Austin Conservative 🇺🇸🤘 (@atx_republican) February 22, 2025
Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, emphasized that states cannot override federal civil rights protections and that Maine must follow Title IX or face losing its federal funding. The agency made clear that it would take every step necessary to ensure compliance.
Speaking at CPAC the following day, Trump referenced his clash with Mills, calling out her stance on transgender athletes and criticizing Democrats for prioritizing radical gender policies over women’s rights.