In a rare moment of open defiance at the White House on Friday afternoon, Maine Governor Janet Mills stood her ground against President Donald Trump over his executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

During a meeting with a bipartisan group of governors, Trump abruptly brought up Maine’s opposition to his order, questioning whether the state would comply. “Is Maine here? The governor of Maine?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Mills responded. “I’m here.”

When Trump pressed her about compliance, Mills replied firmly, “I’m complying with the state and federal laws.”

Trump fired back, asserting, “We are the federal law. You better do it, or you’re not getting any federal funding.” He claimed public opinion was overwhelmingly on his side and issued a stark warning, “You better comply…otherwise, you’re not getting any federal funding.”

Mills didn’t back down, replying, “See you in court.”

Watch the video here

Trump, visibly irritated, retorted, “Good. I’ll see you in court. That should be a real easy one. And enjoy your life after governor, because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics.”

This confrontation followed similar comments Trump made the previous night at a gathering of Republican governors, where he threatened to cut federal funding over Maine’s stance.

At the heart of the dispute is the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), which oversees high school sports in the state. The MPA has maintained that it will continue allowing transgender female athletes to compete, adhering to the Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.

In response, the US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights announced Friday it would investigate the state’s compliance with federal antidiscrimination laws, citing allegations of male athletes competing in girls’ sports.

Despite mounting pressure, Mills and Maine’s education authorities remain committed to upholding state and federal laws that protect transgender rights.