WASHINGTON (AP) — The immediate clash between President Donald Trump and Maine’s governor regarding transgender athletes illustrates the dilemma facing many Democratic governors during Trump’s second term.
Gov. Janet Mills’ promise to challenge Trump in court over his warning to cut state funding if it didn’t adhere to his executive order thrilled Democrats seeking a more forceful resistance. However, the public spat that unfolded Friday as Trump convened governors at the White House annoyed a president known for avenging those he perceives as adversaries.
Shortly after the altercation, the federal Department of Education revealed it was starting an investigation into the Maine Department of Education concerning the participation of trans athletes. Trump opposes allowing them in girls’ and women’s sports, while Maine law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.
“Public interactions like that reflect a person’s strong values,” remarked Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in an interview on Sunday. “I admire Janet Mills for her courage. Yet, I recognize that standing up often comes at a price.”
The Democrats leading the country’s most populous states gathered in Washington for a National Governors Association meeting, trying to navigate the needs of their states while grappling with their sentiments towards Trump.
Whitmer, who had clashes with Trump during his first term over the federal COVID-19 response, actively campaigned against him in 2024 for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. She mentioned sitting next to Trump at a White House dinner on Saturday night.
“I was the only Democrat at the table, which caught me and everyone else a bit off guard,” she shared. “However, I used the chance to discuss tariffs.”
States like Michigan could face significant disruptions from Trump’s early proposals. For instance, Michigan anticipates that around 42% of its budget will rely on federal funding, and it is dependent on trade with Canada, which may now be subjected to potential tariffs imposed by Trump.
A federal judge is reviewing a plea to stop the administration from freezing trillions of dollars in loans and grants, a move that could have dire consequences for states. At the same time, Trump’s close ally, Elon Musk, is advocating for a reduction in federal government size, likely leading to nationwide repercussions. Approximately 80% of the nearly 2 million federal employees reside outside the metropolitan Washington area, spread across the country.
“I’m quite concerned that decisions will be made without a full understanding of how they will affect the American public,” Whitmer commented. She described Musk as “dangerous.”
During discussion panels and press conferences at the meetings, state leaders maintained a conciliatory approach.
“We always hope for disagreements to elevate discourse and work towards collective solutions,” said Democratic Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado, the association’s chair, when discussing the Trump-Mills incident. “I wouldn’t say that disagreement exemplified that,” he remarked.
Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York met with Trump for over an hour on Friday afternoon to discuss Manhattan’s congestion tolling. Trump halted the program, which is a crucial priority for Hochul, and tweeted, “Long live the king!”
Regarding their meeting, Hochul described it as “adversarial” on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” asserting that New Yorkers “need to know I’m ready to fight wherever necessary.”
“We won’t passively allow our rights to be infringed,” she affirmed. “We’re open to working together when there’s shared interest, but don’t mistake our willingness to collaborate as an invitation to be intimidated by governors.”
Whitmer mentioned that she had the opportunity to converse with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in addition to Trump.
“It’s crucial for me to prioritize the people’s interests above my own or any partisan agendas. I have responsibilities as a governor,” stated Whitmer, who is seen as a prominent contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. “Even when it’s awkward, my role as governor supersedes any personal discomfort,” she added.
Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away from Washington, another 2028 candidate took a different stance.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, in his State of the State address on Wednesday, equated the Trump administration to the Nazi movement and admonished members of his own party, declaring, “Going along to get along is ineffective.”
Pritzker’s comments resonated with some critical voter demographics.
“We didn’t elect Democrats to collaborate with our oppressors,” stated Lori Goldman, founder of “Fems for Dems,” a Michigan-based group focused on increasing voter engagement.
“We are incredibly frustrated and organizing against Democrats who betray our trust,” she expressed.
