President Donald Trump clashed with Maine Governor Janet Mills during a White House meeting of governors on Friday over his push to deny federal funding to states that allow transgender athletes to compete in girls’ and women’s sports. The heated exchange highlighted the ongoing national debate over gender policies in athletics, with Trump vowing legal action and Mills defending Maine’s stance.
Trump criticized Maine’s policies, calling them unfair to female athletes and promising to take action if re-elected. “I’ll see you in court,” Trump told Mills, reiterating his belief that transgender women should not compete in female sports categories.
Mills pushed back, arguing that Maine’s approach is about inclusion and fairness. “We are not going to be bullied into discrimination,” she said, insisting that her state would continue to allow transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity.
Trump has made transgender sports bans a key issue in his 2024 presidential campaign. He frequently criticizes Democratic-led states that permit transgender participation, arguing that such policies undermine the integrity of women’s sports.
During the meeting, Trump said he would block federal education funding to states that refuse to impose restrictions. “If they won’t protect women’s sports, they don’t deserve taxpayer money,” he said.
Mills responded by accusing Trump of using transgender athletes as a political tool. “This is about scoring political points, not protecting athletes,” she said. “Maine will not be threatened into abandoning its values.”
Maine’s policies align with Biden administration guidelines, which aim to prevent discrimination against transgender students. The Education Department has proposed changes to Title IX that could prohibit outright bans on transgender athletes at the federal level.
Republican-led states have taken the opposite approach, passing laws that restrict transgender athletes from competing based on gender identity. At least 20 states have enacted such laws, arguing that biological differences provide an unfair advantage.
Supporters of Trump’s stance say allowing transgender women to compete in female categories puts cisgender athletes at a disadvantage. “This is common sense,” said a conservative advocacy group representative. “Girls should not lose scholarships or championships to biological males.”
Transgender athletes and advocacy groups argue that inclusion is a fundamental right. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to play,” an LGBTQ+ rights advocate said. “Excluding transgender athletes is discriminatory and harmful.”
Legal challenges are mounting in multiple states over the issue. Some courts have temporarily blocked restrictions, while others have upheld them, setting up a potential Supreme Court battle.
Polling shows that Americans are divided on the issue. A 2023 survey found that while many support restrictions in professional and collegiate sports, they are more accepting of transgender participation at the youth level.
The NCAA and the International Olympic Committee have established eligibility rules for transgender athletes, requiring hormone therapy and specific medical guidelines. However, these policies remain controversial.
Trump’s proposed funding cuts would impact public schools and universities that receive federal education grants. Critics argue that such a move would harm students and violate federal protections.
Mills vowed to fight any federal funding threats, calling Trump’s approach “an abuse of power.” “We will not stand by while our students are used as political targets,” she said.
The White House meeting ended with no resolution, but the dispute is expected to continue. Trump has pledged to sign an executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports if he returns to office.
Maine and other Democratic-led states are preparing for possible legal battles. Advocates on both sides believe the Supreme Court may ultimately decide the issue.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s stance is energizing conservative voters. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders are framing the issue as a fight for civil rights and equality.
The clash between Trump and Mills highlights how transgender athlete policies remain a deeply divisive national debate. The legal and political battles ahead could reshape sports policies across the country.
