Former President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with Maine Governor Janet Mills concerning the participation of transgender women in sports. During a White House meeting with governors, Trump asserted that Maine must adhere to his executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports, or risk losing federal funding. Mills retorted, indicating her intent to challenge the order in court.

The confrontation stemmed from Maine's defiance of Trump's February 5th executive order. Trump pressed Mills on her non-compliance, emphasizing that the federal law takes precedence. He argued that even Maine's population, despite leaning liberal, opposes the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports. Mills remained firm, promising legal action. Trump responded with a personal attack, suggesting her political career was in jeopardy.

In a subsequent statement, Mills declared that Maine would not be intimidated by presidential threats and would pursue legal recourse to protect federal funding for Maine schoolchildren.

Trump had previously addressed Republican governors, criticizing Maine's stance and reiterating his intention to withhold federal funds. His executive order directs federal agencies to scrutinize programs and policies that don't align with his administration's objective to prevent what he calls "male competitive participation in women’s sports." The order also mandates strict Title IX enforcement and the withdrawal of federal aid for non-compliant institutions. Several Democrat-led states, including Maine, California, and Minnesota, have signaled their refusal to comply.

Despite the executive order, the governing body for high school sports in Maine has affirmed that student-athletes' eligibility will continue to be determined by their stated gender identity.