Featured Image Credit: ABC
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News
Mia Williams
Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community which some readers may find distressing.
A US governor took on Donald Trump as she confronted him about his executive order banning trans women from competing in women's sport.
It isn't a shock that there has been pushback on the controversial executive order from certain areas in America.
Advert
Two transgender girls who attend high school in New Hampshire are currently trying to sue, challenging the executive order.
But the Governor of Maine, Janet Mills, had a viral moment, as she challenged Trump face-to-face during the National Governors Association’s winter summit.
Just over two weeks ago, upon signing the order, Trump said: "With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over."
But under the Maine Human Rights Act, schools have an obligation to provide equal opportunities to all students in sports and other subjects.
During the summit, the President addressed the governor, as he said: "Is the Governor of Maine here?"
"Damn right I am," she responded.
Trump added: "Are you not gonna comply with it?"
Mills replied, stating that she will comply with the 'state and federal law'.
Trump then said: "Well, we are the federal law, and you better do it, because you're not going to get any federal funding if you don't.
"And by the way...your population doesn't want men playing in women's sport."
The Governor then threatened Trump, as she said: "See you in court."
Trump cockily responded: "Good I'll see you in court, I look forward to that.
"That should be a real easy one.
"And enjoy your life after Governor, because I don't think you'll be in elected politics."
Following the altercation, Mills released a statement to the people of Maine.
She wrote: "The State of Maine will not be intimidated by the President’s threats.
"If the President attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine school children of the benefit of Federal funding, my Administration and the Attorney General will take all appropriate and necessary legal action to restore that funding and the academic opportunity it provides."
She also noted that no president has the power to withhold federal funding, adding that is a 'a violation of our Constitution and of our laws, which I took an oath to uphold'.
The Department for Education has since announced it will investigate Maine over allegations it has ignored Trump's executive order.