(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills sparred during an event at the White House concerning Maine allowing men to compete in women’s sports, with each making threats.
During a National Governor’s Association meeting in the otherwise-always courteous State Dining Room at the White House, Trump called out Maine’s governor for not complying with federal law regarding the ban on men competing in women’s sports.
During the heated exchange, the president asked if the governor would comply with the order.
Mills replied, “I’m complying with state and federal laws.”
The president quickly rebuffed Mills’ defense, claiming otherwise – threatening to withhold federal funds if the governor doesn’t comply.
“Well, we are the federal law. You better do it. You better do it because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t,” Trump said during the heated exchange.
The president continued by saying Mainers don’t want men playing in women’s sports.
“By the way, your population, even though it’s somewhat liberal although I did very well there, your population doesn’t want men playing in women’s sports so you better comply because otherwise, you’re not getting any federal funding,” said Trump.
“See you in court,” the governor told the president.
Trump seemed to welcome the challenge while taking a political potshot at Mills’ political future.
“Good, I’ll see you in court,” Trump said. “I look forward to that. That should be a real easy one. And enjoy your life after governor, because I don’t think you be an elected in politics.”
Mills released a statement Friday, saying the state will not be intimidated by “the president’s threats.”
“If the president attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine school children of the benefit of federal funding, my administration and the attorney general will take all appropriate and necessary legal action to restore that funding and the academic opportunity it provides,” Mills added.
The controversy stems in part from the Maine Principals Association’s decision not to comply with Trump’s executive order. The association cites the Maine Human Rights Act, prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity.