Trump v Maine: the legal battle that could change the future of trans sports

Another day, another spat between the Trump White House and an elected official. President Donald Trump spoke to the National Governors Association on Friday, singling out one leader with whom he has a major policy disagreement.

Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds for states that allow transgender athletes to play in women’s sports. Removing transgender athletes from women’s sport became a key part of Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign and he signed the ‘Keeping men out of Women’s Sports' executive order on February 5.

Maine is one of a number of states that looks set to defy Trump’s proclamation and the President took aim at the state governor during Friday’s public event.

“Is Maine here? The governor of Maine?” Trump asked, before pointing out Gov. Janet Mills in the White House State Dining Room. “Are you not going to comply with it?”

Mills answered: “I’m going to comply with state and federal law.”

“We are the federal law,” Trump responded. “You better do it because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t. And 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.”

Will Maine sue Trump?

The President may have signed an executive order on the matter but it’s not yet clear if it is enforceable across the nation. No bill has passed through the Houses of Congress and Trump’s executive order is facing substantial push-back in the courts.

The Maine Principal’s Association has already said that it does not intend to comply with Trump’s order. His demands, they argue, contravene existing state anti-discrimination laws that specifically protect transgender people.

Mike Burnham, executive director of the MPA, explained: “The executive order and our Maine state Human Rights Act are in conflict, and the Maine Principal’s Association will continue to follow state law as it pertains to gender identity.”

The brief exchange between Mills and Trump ended with a terse back-and-worth, with both sides aiming threats at the other.

Maine Gov. Mills said: “We’re going to follow the law, sir. We’ll see you in court.”

Trump ended the conversation by saying: “Enjoy your life after, governor, because I don’t think you’ll be an elected official afterwards.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.