Maine’s governor wins her showdown against Trump

You may remember the scene. During a meeting at the White House with several governors, last February, Donald Trump had asked the Democratic Governor of Maine Janet Mills if she was going to deprive his state of federal funds by opposing his policy to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in female school sports. “Are you not going to conform to it?” Asked Trump.

“I comply with the laws of the state and the federal laws,” replied Mills.

“We are federal law,” said Trump during the exchange before adding: “You would better comply with it. Otherwise, you will not get any federal funding. »»

“We will see you in court,” replied the governor.

After prosecution on both sides, here is where we are in this showdown: last Friday, Maine agreed to abandon its prosecution against the Department of American Agriculture in return from a release of federal funds intended for a food aid program in schools. These funds had been suspended as the Maine’s refusal to comply with Trump’s policy on the participation of transgender athletes in female school sports.

“It is good to enjoy such a victory,” said Governor Mills at a press conference held last Friday. “I held my end at the White House, and when I faced the President of the United States, I told him that I would see him in court. Well, as we saw in court, and we won. »»

(Photo AFP/Getty Images)