Trump demands apology from Maine Gov. Janet Mills
Share and Follow


() President Donald Trump over the weekend demanded an apology from Maine Gov. Janet Mills. The two have been at odds since Mills said her state would allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports despite Trump signing an executive order against the issue.

Trump said on social media Saturday that the state of Maine has apologized for its governor’s “strong but totally incorrect statement while at the White House Governor’s Conference” but that he has not heard from Mills herself.

During an event at the White House last month, Trump said he would withhold federal funding from Maine over its refusal to comply with the order on trans athletes. When prompted, Mills said Maine was following federal law and told the president, “See you in court,” partner The Hill reported.

It is unclear what apology Trump was referring to from the state of Maine in his post.

Maine’s Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said on social media that she can confirm “as the official keeper of all state records and guardian of the seal” that the state of Maine has not apologized.

“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,” Trump said in his post. “I’m sure she will be able to do that quite easily.”

After the spat between Trump and Mills at the White House, his administration opened several separate but overlapping investigations into Maine by the Departments of Education, Agriculture and Health and Human Services.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture paused federal funding for the University of Maine until it officially found it in compliance with Title IX.

In a statement, the University of Maine system told it has always been compliant but said it was “relieved” at the finding.

However, last Wednesday, the federal Education Department found the state’s Department of Education in violation of Title IX.

It is now giving Maine’s Department of Education “an opportunity to voluntarily agree within 10 days or risk imminent enforcement action including referral to the U.S. Department of Justice.”

Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Maine, whose social media post about a high school athlete participating in girls sports jump-started the spat between Trump and Mills, has said nothing has changed.

“Not only do I not think that President Trump will get an apology, I think Gov. Mills is trying to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes,” Libby said. “Nothing has changed in Maine. The university system has confirmed what we already knew.”

Mills did not respond to a request for comment.

Libby has been censured from the statehouse floor for making the post. She is now suing to regain her vote and ability to speak on the floor.

Libby said the state is making a “huge gamble” when it comes to federal funding, with “hundreds of millions of dollars at stake.”

“I think (Mills) is willing to risk that, which is unfortunate because it’s putting Maine students’ education on the line and it’s ensuring that Maine girls don’t have a fair, safe and level playing field,” Libby said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Australia anti-terror police detain 7 men as country lays youngest Bondi Beach victim to rest

Australia’s Anti-Terror Raid: 7 Detained Amid Emotional Farewell to Bondi Beach’s Youngest Victim

In a series of anti-terror operations on Thursday, Australian police apprehended seven…
Trump in White House speech announces $1,776 bonus for US troops, as he says economy is strong

Trump Unveils $1,776 Bonus for Troops Amidst Claims of Economic Strength: What It Means for You

In an effort to bolster his waning support, President Donald Trump made…
Trump's handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center

Trump’s Bold Move: Renaming Washington’s Iconic Arts Center to Trump-Kennedy Sparks Debate

In a controversial decision, the board appointed by President Donald Trump has…
Brown University shooting reveals major gap in Providence's $1M 'real time crime center'

Unveiling the Flaws: Brown University Incident Exposes Cracks in Providence’s $1M Crime Center

The recent shooting at Brown University has spotlighted a significant shortfall in…
Split image of a man pointing a finger to his face (left) and a selfie of another man on the right.

Brooklyn Stabbing Survivor Elias Rosner Advocates Against Bullying After Attack

A Jewish man stabbed in the chest in New York City recently…
Luigi Mangione defense says cops peddled bogus mom quote as judge weighs if evidence will make it to trial

Defense Challenges Alleged Misquote by Police as Judge Decides Evidence Admissibility in Luigi Mangione Case

Luigi Mangione’s defense team has accused New York law enforcement and prosecutors…
Girl with special needs rescued from roof of Lake City PetSmart

Young Girl with Special Needs Successfully Rescued from Lake City PetSmart Rooftop

In a dramatic rescue, the Lake City Fire Department came to the…
Israel hits Hezbollah targets in Lebanon ahead of deadline to disarm terror group

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Sites in Lebanon as Disarmament Deadline Looms

In a significant military maneuver, Israel reportedly executed a series of airstrikes…