Maine Governor Janet Mills Defies Trump's Transgender Sports Ban, Sparking Federal Investigation
Maine Gov. Janet Mills and President Donald Trump clashed over the enforcement of an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, leading to a federal investigation into Maine’s compliance with Title IX laws. The confrontation occurred during a governors’ meeting at the White House, where Trump pressed Mills on whether Maine would comply with the order. Mills responded by asserting that Maine would follow its state Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights subsequently announced an investigation into the Maine Department of Education and a local school district for alleged Title IX violations. The investigation stems from Maine’s refusal to enforce the executive order, which Trump has tied to federal funding. Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey have vowed to challenge any attempts to withhold federal funds, arguing that such actions violate constitutional principles and the rule of law.
In a statement, Mills emphasized her commitment to upholding the rule of law, stating that no president has the authority to withhold federal funding to coerce compliance with their will. She framed the issue as a broader constitutional concern, warning that the investigation sets a precedent for future overreach by the executive branch. Mills’ administration plans to defend Maine’s position in court, asserting that the state’s laws align with federal anti-discrimination protections.
The dispute highlights the ongoing national debate over transgender rights and the role of federal oversight in state policies. Mills’ defiance has drawn both support and criticism, with advocates praising her stance on inclusivity and opponents arguing for stricter enforcement of gender-based sports regulations. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for federal-state relations and the interpretation of Title IX in the context of transgender rights.
Trump, Maine Gov. Janet Mills clash over executive order compliance | Fox News Video
President Donald Trump spars with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over complying with an executive order preventing trans athletes from competing in girls' and
www.foxnews.com
Read Gov. Mills’ full statement on Trump investigation
Maine's Democratic governor released a statement Friday night saying 'the rule of law' is at stake after President Trump directed the Education Depart
www.pressherald.com
Feds to investigate Maine Department of Education for alleged Title IX violations
Maine is accused of violating Title IX laws after refusal to comply with an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in girls' and
www.newscentermaine.com
Stephen King Praises Maine Gov. Janet Mills For “Standing Up To The Bully” Trump Over Trans Rights
As Stephen King makes his return to X during Trump 2.0, he's wasting no time in giving his opinion of the president's first 100 days.
deadline.com
Maine Gov. Janet Mills defies Trump: 'See you in court'
At a meeting of governors at the White House on Feb. 21, Maine Gov. Janet Mills defied President Donald Trump's threat to withhold federal funding.
www.washingtonpost.com
Trump administration launches investigation into Maine schools over transgender policy • Maine Morning Star
Notice of the investigation came hours after Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Trump had a tense exchange during an event at the White House over the state’s
mainemorningstar.com