Maine Gov. suggests Trump will target based on race, religion after Title IX investigation over trans athletes

President Donald Trump spars with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over complying with an executive order preventing trans athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports.

Maine Governor Janet Mills released a statement on Friday in response to the announcement that the U.S. Department of Education will be investigating her state for allowing trans athletes to compete in girls' sports, defying a recent executive order by President Donald Trump. 

In Mills' statement, she suggested that Trump's investigation into her state's potential Title IX violations is an indicator that the president will later target people based on their race or religion. 

"Maine may [be] one of the first states to undergo an investigation by his administration, but we won’t be the last. Today, the President of the United States has targeted one particular group on one particular issue which Maine law has addressed. But you must ask yourself: who and what will he target next, and what will he do? Will it be you? Will it be because of your race or your religion? Will it be because you look different or think differently? Where does it end? In America, the President is neither a King nor a dictator, as much as this one tries to act like it – and it is the rule of law that prevents him from being so," Mills said. 

"I imagine that the outcome of this politically directed investigation is all but predetermined. My Administration will begin work with the Attorney General to defend the interests of Maine people in the court of law. But do not be misled: this is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation. I believe he