Trump-Maine governor clash made White House meeting ‘uncomfortable,’ govs say
Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills found herself in a heated exchange with President Donald Trump during a recent White House meeting, causing a stir among the nation’s governors. The confrontation stemmed from Trump challenging Maine to comply with his executive order regarding transgender athletes in school sports. Mills defiantly told Trump, “see you in court,” prompting the president to threaten withholding federal funding from any state that does not align its scholastic athletics with biological sexes.
The incident left many governors feeling uneasy, with National Governors Association Chairman, Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, expressing disappointment that the disagreement did not align with the collective goal of “disagreeing better.” Polis emphasized the importance of elevating discourse and striving for common solutions, rather than resorting to contentious interactions.
Governors have the right to challenge the federal government through legal means, as Polis acknowledged, but he also highlighted the importance of understanding each party’s perspective. NGA Vice Chairman Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma’s GOP governor, noted that the exchange may have been politically advantageous for both Mills and Trump within their respective bases.
Stitt, who personally supports Trump’s stance on scholastic athletics, referenced his efforts in Oklahoma to ensure athletes compete based on their biological sex. He pointed out that various organizations, including the NCAA and the Olympics, have adopted similar policies. Polis mentioned that Mills asserted she was following current federal law with her position on transgender athletes.
During the White House meeting, Trump extended an invitation to all governors to contact him directly, joking that he would prioritize a Democrat’s call if received simultaneously with a Republican’s call. Stitt praised Trump’s pragmatic approach to governance, highlighting the president’s focus on achieving results over ideological divides.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey successfully advocated for cabinet officials to share their direct lines with governors, facilitating better communication between states and the administration. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster revealed that Trump had also offered governors an open line of communication, albeit without disclosing his specific contact information.
Overall, the exchange between Gov. Mills and President Trump underscored the challenges of navigating contentious issues in a politically charged environment. As governors strive to find common ground and promote constructive dialogue, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of civil discourse in governance.
