Note: Some readers may find the topic of transgender problems in this article upsetting.
On Friday, February 21, Donald Trump met with governors at the White House and made a direct threat against the Democratic governor of Maine.
Maine Governor Janet Mills was informed by the 78-year-old President of the United States that she must abide by his executive order prohibiting transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports.
She runs the risk of losing federal assistance if she doesn’t, he added.
“Will you not follow through on it?” Trump questioned Maine’s 75th governor.
“State and federal laws are being followed,” the 77-year-old replied.
The American businessman then warned, saying, “You had better do it, we are under federal law.”
“You’re not going to receive government funding, so you better do it. Men are not wanted in women’s sports by your populace.
Mills answered, “See you in court.”
“All right. In court, I’ll see you. I’ll be anticipating that. That ought to be quite simple. Trump stated. “And since I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics, governor, enjoy your life after this.”
Maine “will not be intimidated by the president’s threats,” Mills declared before the meeting.
“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 deny Maine schoolchildren the benefit of federal funding,” Mills stated (via The Independent).
Trump’s proposal to reduce federal funds, according to Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, “would be illegal and in direct violation of federal court orders.”
“Thankfully, the rule of law still holds true in this nation, and I will stop at nothing to protect Maine’s laws and stop the president from threatening and intimidating us.” “Frey said.”
Craig Trainor, the interim Education Secretary for civil rights, has stated that Maine is under investigation for suspected Title IX violations, which are acts that discriminate against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex.
In a statement, Trainor stated, “Maine would have you believe that it has no choice in how it treats women and girls in athletics — that is, that it must follow its state laws and allow male athletes to compete against women and girls.”
To be clear, Maine must adhere to Title IX if it hopes to keep receiving federal funding from the Education Department. It also has the option to forego federal funding and keep violating the rights of its young female athletes.
The Maine Principal’s Association announced earlier this month that transgender female athletes will still be permitted to participate in women’s sports, according to PBS.
According to Mike Burnham, their executive director, they will adhere to the Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identification.
“But do not be misled: this is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, but this is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation,” Mills said in her statement, adding that she would be assisting the general attorney in defending Maine in court. I don’t think he can.