Trump demands Gov Janet Mills’ apology for Maine defying his ban on trans athletes to settle funding row

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump demanded a personal apology from the Democratic Maine Governor Janet Mills on Saturday, March 22, for opposing his attempt to ban transgender athletes from women's sports, reported The Hill.

The POTUS signed an executive order last month to stop trans athletes from competing in women's sports. It followed the Education Department, which he is actively attempting to dismantle, rescinding protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

During a White House event in February, Trump suggested that he would withhold federal funding from Maine over its refusal to comply with the order on transgender athletes.

It led to him having a verbal dispute with Mills. The governor asserted that Maine was following federal law and finally told the president, "See you in court.”

Donald Trump demands Janet Mills' apology

The 78-year-old commander-in-chief took to Truth Social to lash out at Janet Mills on Saturday, writing, "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."

“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,” he continued. “I’m sure she will be able to do that quite easily.”

The post comes days after his administration held Maine in violation of the updated Title IX law, and gave the state a deadline of March 27 to reverse its policy allowing transgender student-athletes to participate in girls’ and women’s sports.

According to the publication, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also temporarily paused funding to the University of Maine System (UMS) earlier in March. It has since been resumed after a review by the federal department found UMS to be in compliance with Title IX.

In a statement shared with the New York Post, UMS Chancellor Dannel Malloy expressed, "The University of Maine System has always maintained its compliance with state and federal laws and with NCAA rules, which the US Department of Agriculture also affirmed in a press release."

Internet stands by Janet Mills

Netizens reacting to Donald Trump's demand for an apology from Janet Mills slammed the POTUS on the social media platform X. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"She should absolutely NOT apologize," wrote a user.

"Not only should she not apologize but Trump should," shared another.

"He loves his extortion," a user slammed Trump.

"Demanding apologies is the mark of a bully, not the behavior of an American president," claimed an individual.

"Oh please! When Trump apologizes to the hundreds of people he has insulted, then maybe he can start expecting an apology or two," chided one.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.