Former President Donald Trump is once again at the center of controversy after demanding a personal apology from Maine Governor Janet Mills for what he claims was an “unlawful challenge” to his authority. The demand, made on his Truth Social platform, has ignited backlash, with critics calling his actions “pathetic” and questioning the legality of his retaliation against the state.
Trump’s grievance dates back to a heated February exchange at the White House during the National Governors Association meeting, where Mills openly defied his executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports. The governor, citing Maine’s Human Rights Act, boldly told Trump, “We’re going to follow the law, sir. We’ll see you in court.”
Since that confrontation, Maine has faced a series of federal investigations and funding cuts—moves widely interpreted as political retribution. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ruled that Maine violated Title IX, the U.S. Department of Agriculture investigated the University of Maine System, and the Trump administration briefly halted a program allowing newborns to be registered for Social Security cards at hospitals.
On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social, claiming that while “the state of Maine” had apologized for Mills’ statements, the governor herself had yet to issue a direct apology. “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,” Trump wrote.
The claim that Maine had apologized was immediately disputed. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows swiftly refuted it on Bluesky, writing, “Can confirm ‘state of Maine’ hasn’t apologized. (As the official keeper of all state records and guardian of the seal ;)).”
Trump’s demand has drawn sharp criticism across political and media circles. Former NBCUniversal executive Mike Sington blasted him, tweeting, “King Trump demands an apology from the Governor of Maine because she embarrassed him. Pathetic.” Georgetown University public policy professor Jonathan Ladd also weighed in, questioning the legality of the former president’s actions. “Trump is constitutionally required to take care that U.S. laws be faithfully executed. On what legal basis can he treat the people of Maine differently depending on if their governor apologizes to him? None.”
The standoff between Trump and Mills continues to fuel national debate over executive power, states’ rights, and transgender athletes in sports, with no sign of resolution anytime soon.
