Key Takeaways

• Maine Governor Janet Mills sued the Trump administration over trans athlete rules in February 2025.
• President Trump declared, “We are the federal law,” and Mills replied, “I’ll see you in court.”
• The administration withdrew its rule after the lawsuit, handing Mills a major victory.
• On MSNBC, Mills urged Congress to stand up to Trump’s ICE policies.
• She stressed that the president must enforce existing laws, not make new ones.

In February 2025, Governor Janet Mills faced a tense meeting with President Trump. He demanded Maine drop its trans athlete protections. Mills refused to back down. Instead, she told him, “I’ll see you in court.” That bold reply shocked many people. However, the real surprise came when the Trump administration quietly withdrew its rule after her lawsuit.

Mills called that moment “jaw dropping.” She said Trump’s claim, “We are the federal law,” ignored the Constitution. Moreover, she warned that a president cannot write laws with a wave of his hand. Instead, he must enforce the laws Congress passes.

How Janet Mills Took on Trump and Won

Standing Up to Bullying

Governor Janet Mills described President Trump’s behavior as bullying. She warned, “If you don’t stand up to a bully, they never stop.” In her view, Trump was bullying states and individuals. Therefore, she chose to use the courts to push back. Her move showed that even a single governor can challenge the White House.

Court Clash Over Trans Sports

The fight began over federal guidance on trans athletes. President Trump wanted Maine schools to ignore state rules. In turn, Mills filed a federal lawsuit and asked for an emergency order. She argued the guidance broke the Equal Protection Clause. Meanwhile, national groups backed her case. After weeks of legal filings, the Trump team backed down without a fight. The administration pulled its rule the day before a hearing.

Protecting the Constitution

Mills often refers to the Constitution. She told viewers on MSNBC, “The president shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” She added that the Constitution does not let a president create laws. Instead, Congress makes laws and the courts interpret them. In her legal filing, she cited the Take Care Clause and separation of powers. As a result, her lawsuit became a key example of checks and balances in action.

Advice for Lawmakers

On MS NOW, Mills urged Congress to step up against Trump’s ICE tactics. She said lawmakers must hold hearings and pass clear rules. Moreover, she called on leaders to defend immigrant rights and due process. Her message was simple: use the power of the purse and the power of oversight. In her words, “Don’t let a bully terrorize people with executive orders.”

What This Means for America

Governor Janet Mills’s victory shows that pushback can work. It also signals that courts remain a vital check on executive power. Many legal experts say her case will serve as a guide for future fights. Meanwhile, supporters of trans rights see her move as proof that state leaders can protect vulnerable groups. More broadly, the win reminds everyone that no person, not even the president, stands above the law.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 elections on the horizon, Mills’s court win could inspire other governors. They may feel empowered to challenge federal overreach. In addition, Congress now faces pressure to pass clearer rules on trans athletes and immigration. Meanwhile, the public debate over executive power and state rights will only grow louder.

Final Thoughts

Janet Mills stood firm against a direct order from President Trump. She showed how a governor can use the courts to defend the Constitution. Her jaw-dropping moment in the Oval Office became a landmark case. Now, she calls on Congress to do its job and stop unchecked executive actions. Ultimately, her story reminds us that democracy works when people stand up for the rule of law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rule did Janet Mills challenge in court?

She challenged a Trump administration guideline on how schools must treat trans athletes. She argued it violated state protections and the Constitution.

Why did the Trump administration back down?

After Mills filed an emergency lawsuit, the administration chose to withdraw its guidance rather than face a court ruling.

How did Janet Mills describe the president’s actions?

She called them bullying and said it was “jaw dropping” when Trump claimed, “We are the federal law.”

What message did Mills share with Congress?

She urged lawmakers to use hearings and legislation to curb unchecked executive power, especially on immigration and trans rights.