Trump Calls Out Maine Governor As Federal Investigation Launched Over Title IX Defiance
President Donald Trump is making an example out of Maine Gov. Janet Mills after she openly refused to follow his executive order banning men from competing in women’s sports. Hours after their heated exchange at the White House, the Department of Education launched a federal investigation into Maine’s policies.
During a Friday meeting with governors, Trump confronted Mills directly, asking if she would comply with the new federal rule. Mills sidestepped the question, saying the state would follow both state and federal law. Trump shot back, reminding her that “we are the federal law” and warning that Maine would lose all federal funding if it refused to comply.
Mills did not back down, challenging Trump by responding, “See you in court.” Trump welcomed the challenge, predicting an easy legal win and telling Mills she likely won’t have a future in elected politics.
Shortly after their exchange, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced it had opened an investigation into Maine’s Department of Education. The agency is reviewing allegations that the state is allowing male athletes to compete in female sports and denying girls access to women-only locker rooms.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor reinforced Trump’s position, stating that Maine must comply with federal law or lose federal funding. He made clear that state laws do not override Title IX protections and that the federal government will ensure taxpayers are not forced to fund policies that violate civil rights.
The investigation comes as Maine’s Greely High School has been accused of permitting at least one male student to compete in girls’ sports.
