President Donald Trump has demanded a formal apology from Maine Governor Janet Mills as tensions escalated over the state’s stance on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. The dispute, which centers around federal education funding, intensified after the University of Maine system began reversing course on its policies to avoid financial repercussions.
According to the White House, Trump insisted that Mills issue a “full-throated” apology to female athletes, accusing the governor of undermining women’s sports by allowing biological males to participate in female competitions. The administration previously froze millions in education funding, warning that continued support for such policies would jeopardize further federal assistance.
In response to mounting pressure, multiple universities within the state reportedly began revising their athletic guidelines to align with the administration’s position, emphasizing biological sex in competitive categories. Despite the shift, Trump stated that the matter would not be fully resolved until the governor publicly acknowledges what he described as a betrayal of fairness in sports.
The White House made clear that while progress has been noted, the funding dispute remains unresolved without an official apology. The administration continues to assert that protecting the integrity of women’s sports is non-negotiable and will remain a priority moving forward.