Note: Some readers may find this article’s treatment of transgender problems upsetting.
At a White House meeting with governors on Friday, February 21, Donald Trump made a direct threat against the Democratic governor of Maine.
The 78-year-old president of the United States has instructed Maine Governor Janet Mills to abide by his executive order prohibiting transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports.
According to him, she runs the risk of losing federal support if she doesn’t.
“You’re not going to follow it?” The 75th governor of Maine was asked by Trump.
In response, the 77-year-old said, “I’m abiding by state and federal laws.”
“We are federal law, you better do it,” the American billionaire threatened.
Since you won’t receive federal assistance, you had better do it. Men are not desired by your populace in women’s sports.
“See you in court,” Mills answered.
Excellent. See you in the courtroom. I’ll eagerly await that. That one ought to be rather simple. “I said,” Trump said. I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics, so enjoy your life afterward, governor.
Mills declared before the meeting that Maine “will not be intimidated by the president’s threats.”
According to Mills, “my administration and the attorney general will take all appropriate and necessary legal action to restore that funding and the academic opportunity it provides if the president attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine school children of the benefit of federal funding” (The Independent).
In the meantime, Trump’s attempt to reduce federal assistance “would be illegal and in direct violation of federal court orders,” according to Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey.
“Thankfully, the rule of law still holds true in this nation, and I will stop at nothing to stop the president’s attempts to intimidate and threaten us and to defend Maine’s laws.” said Frey.
Following the announcement by acting Education Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor that Maine is under investigation for suspected Title IX violations—actions that discriminate against individuals on the basis of their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation—this statement was made.
“Maine would have you believe that it has no choice in how it treats women and girls in athletics — that is, that it must permit male athletes to compete against women and girls in accordance with its state laws,” Trainor said in a statement.
It is imperative that Maine adhere to Title IX if it hopes to maintain its eligibility for federal funding from the Education Department. If it chooses to forego government funding and keep violating the rights of its young female athletes, then so be it.
PBS reports that the Maine Principal’s Association announced earlier this month that it will keep allowing transgender female athletes to participate in women’s sports.
They will adhere to the Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, according to their executive director, Mike Burnham.
However, Mills added in her statement that she would be assisting the general attorney in defending Maine in court: “But do not be misled: this is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, but also about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation.” I think he can’t.
