During a tense meeting on February 21, former President Donald Trump confronted Maine Governor Janet Mills over his executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports. Trump pressured Mills to comply, threatening the loss of federal funding. Mills stood firm, responding that she was complying with state and federal laws. Trump persisted, warning her, but Mills countered, “We’ll see you in court.”

Before the meeting, Mills had vowed Maine “will not be intimidated” and was ready to challenge any federal action. Maine’s Attorney General Aaron Frey condemned the order as unconstitutional.

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation, potentially risking $250 million in federal school funding. This clash underscores the ongoing battle between state governments and the federal administration over LGBTQ+ rights and education policy, with significant implications for other states.