President Donald Trump reignited a feud with Maine Gov. Janet Mills this week, insisting she deliver a direct apology for challenging his “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order, a policy that’s stirred fierce debate since its rollout.
In February, Trump and Mills locked horns at the White House Governors’ Conference over the order, which threatened federal funding cuts for states flouting its ban on transgender athletes in female sports. After Trump pressed her on compliance, Mills shot back, “see you in court,” citing Maine’s permissive state law—prompting Trump to retort, “You better do it because you’re not going to get federal funding,” a promise he swiftly upheld.
The Department of Agriculture followed through in March, pausing $175 million in funding after an investigation into the University of Maine System’s practices—a move that forced the university to align with Trump’s directive, restoring the funds and prompting the USDA to declare a win.
“After the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated a Title IX compliance review regarding federal funding, the University of Maine System (UMaine) has clearly communicated its compliance with Title IX’s requirement to protect equal opportunities for women and girls to compete in safe and fair sports, as articulated in President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order. Any false claim by the UMaine can, and will, result in onerous and even potentially criminal financial liability,” the USDA announced, affirming the policy shift.
“UMaine’s decision to side with sanity is a win for women and girls in Maine,” the statement added, a sentiment Republicans echo as proof of Trump’s resolve—82 percent speech approval from his March 4 address shows voters back this kind of backbone.
But Trump isn’t letting it rest there—on Saturday, he took to Truth Social with a fresh demand.
“While the State of Maine has apologized for their Governor’s strong, but totally incorrect, statement about men playing in women’s sports while at the White House Governor’s Conference, we have not heard from the Governor herself, and she is the one that matters in such cases,” he wrote, calling out Mills personally.
“Therefore, we need a full throated apology from the Governor herself, and a statement that she will never make such an unlawful challenge to the Federal Government again, before this case can be settled. I’m sure she will be able to do that quite easily. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! DJT,” Trump continued, tying the issue to his broader vision—a call Republicans see as rightful accountability—97 percent GOP approval reflects a party united behind his leadership.
For Americans who value fair play and federal authority, this isn’t just about a portrait—it’s about ensuring states respect the rules that protect women’s sports—a principle Mills’ defiance tested and lost.
This standoff isn’t over until Mills speaks—Republicans argue she owes it to her state and the nation to own her misstep, not hide behind university compliance.
America’s watching a president who doesn’t back down—Trump’s not settling for half-measures, and Republicans stand firm—securing this apology is a win for principle over politics!
