A contentious discussion about transgender women and girls in sports was triggered by a White House meeting on February 21. The executive order prohibiting transgender female athletes from participating in women’s sports was the main topic of discussion, which pitted state rights against federal authority. One notable opponent of the policy was Governor Janet Mills of Maine.

Purporting to preserve equity in women’s sports, the order threatens funding for states that do not comply. Mills and other critics claim it violates state sovereignty and discriminates against transgender people.

When President Trump threatened to cut Mills’ funding if he didn’t comply, tensions increased. Mills declined, highlighting the ideological gap by pledging to contest the order in court.

Legal disputes are likely to influence future policies, and this conflict brings to light ongoing discussions regarding state sovereignty, federal power, and transgender rights.