After a confrontation with President Trump during a White House meeting, Janet Mills, the Democratic governor of Maine, has emerged as a prominent figure within her party while also becoming a target of federal scrutiny. The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a federal investigation into Maine following Mills' refusal to comply with Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.
During the meeting, Mills stated, “See you in court,” indicating her intent to challenge the order. In response, the Department of Education notified Maine officials that the state's education department was under a "directed investigation." Craig Trainor, acting head of the Department's civil rights division, warned that Maine could lose federal funding if it does not comply with the order.
Mills has remained steadfast in her position, asserting that the issue extends beyond athletics to the broader question of presidential authority and the rule of law. “Do not be misled: This is not just about who can compete on the athletic field,” she stated, emphasizing her belief that the president cannot enforce compliance without regard for legal standards.
This conflict has elevated Mills, a long-standing figure in Maine politics, to national prominence. Her previous opposition to the Trump administration's immigration and anti-abortion policies contributed to her election as the state's first female governor.
Born in Farmington, Maine, Mills comes from a politically active family. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts and the University of Maine School of Law, becoming the first female criminal prosecutor in Maine's attorney general's office. Throughout her career, she has advocated for victims of domestic violence and has held various significant positions, including Maine's first female attorney general.
During her tenure as attorney general, Mills had notable clashes with former Governor Paul LePage, particularly regarding opioid treatment access and immigration policies. After LePage's term limit ended, Mills was elected governor in 2019.
As governor, Mills has prioritized economic policies and health insurance expansion, while also advocating for protections against discrimination for transgender individuals. Although she has not passed specific legislation regarding transgender athletes, the decision on participation in high school sports is made by the Maine Principals’ Association, an independent organization.
Prior to the election, Trump appeared unfamiliar with Mills, mistakenly referring to her as a man and making inaccurate claims about her immigration policies. Despite the political landscape shifting rightward in Maine, Mills has maintained a pragmatic approach, focusing on policies that benefit the state.
Following her recent confrontation with Trump, Mills expressed concern about the potential for further investigations targeting states that oppose presidential directives. “You must ask yourself: Who and what will he target next?” she questioned, highlighting the broader implications of the conflict.