Things got heated at the White House on Friday when Maine Governor Janet Mills and President Donald Trump went head-to-head during a governors’ meeting. The topic? Maine’s stance on a recent executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.
From the podium, Trump directly called out Mills, pressing her on whether Maine would comply with the new federal mandate. But Mills didn’t back down, standing firm in her position. She reiterated that Maine follows its own Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity—a stance she had already made clear before the meeting.
During the exchange, Trump pointedly asked, “Are you going to comply?” to which Mills replied, “We are complying with state and federal law.” Not satisfied with her response, Trump fired back, “Well, I’m—we are the federal law.”
The conversation escalated when Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from Maine unless it complied with the executive order. But Mills had the final word, responding confidently: “See you in court.”
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With this showdown making waves, all eyes are now on what happens next in this legal and political battle.
From her early legal career to becoming one of the most influential figures in Maine politics, here’s everything you need to know about Governor Janet Mills.
Who Is Janet Mills?
Janet Mills is a trailblazing politician and attorney who has made history as the first female governor of Maine. Serving since 2019, she has focused on issues like healthcare, economic growth, and education, making significant strides in shaping the state’s policies.
Janet Trafton Mills was born on December 30, 1947, in Farmington, Maine. She grew up in a politically active household—her father, Sumner Peter Mills Jr., was a lawyer and former U.S. Attorney for Maine, while her mother was a schoolteacher.
Mills initially studied at Colby College but later moved to San Francisco, where she worked as a nursing assistant in a psychiatric hospital. Eventually, she returned to her academic pursuits, earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 1970.
She later pursued a law degree at the University of Maine School of Law, where she graduated with her Juris Doctor in 1976.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janet Trafton Mills |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1947 |
| Birthplace | Farmington, Maine |
| Education | – University of Massachusetts Boston, B.A. |
| – University of Maine School of Law, J.D. | |
| Political Party | Democratic Party |
| Current Position | 75th Governor of Maine (since January 2, 2019) |
| Previous Positions | – Attorney General of Maine (2009–2011; 2013–2019) |
| – Member of the Maine House of Representatives (2002–2009) | |
| Family | – Spouse: Stanley Kuklinski (deceased 2014) |
| – Stepchildren: 5 |
Personal Life
In 1985, Mills married Stanley Kuklinski, a real estate developer, becoming a stepmother to his five daughters. Sadly, Kuklinski passed away in 2014.
Public service runs in her family—her brother, Peter Mills, was a Republican state senator, and her sister, Dora Anne Mills, was the state’s public health director.
Outside of politics, Mills is known for her love of literature, music, and the outdoors, reflecting her deep connection to Maine’s culture and environment.
Janet Mills Net Worth
The exact net worth of Governor Janet Mills is not publicly available. While public officials are required to disclose certain financial information, these disclosures often do not provide a comprehensive view of personal assets. Therefore, precise figures regarding her net worth remain undisclosed.
Janet Mills Political Career
Mills started her career as an Assistant Attorney General for Maine in 1976. She quickly made history in 1980 when she was elected as a District Attorney for Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties—becoming New England’s first female district attorney.
She continued in the role until 1995, prosecuting cases ranging from domestic violence to major crimes. Her tough-on-crime approach and advocacy for victims’ rights made her a well-known figure in Maine’s legal system.
By 2002, Mills had transitioned into politics, winning a seat in the Maine House of Representatives, where she served on committees related to justice and public safety.
Attorney General of Maine
Mills made history again in 2009 when she was elected as Maine’s first female Attorney General. She served in this role from 2009 to 2011, and then again from 2013 to 2019.
As Attorney General, Mills focused on:
- Consumer protection and anti-fraud measures
- Tackling the opioid crisis
- Advocating for accessible healthcare
She challenged former Governor Paul LePage on several legal issues, particularly regarding Medicaid expansion and healthcare rights.
Governor of Maine
In 2018, Janet Mills ran for Governor of Maine and won, making history as the first woman ever elected to the state’s highest office. She was inaugurated on January 2, 2019.
Her leadership style has been described as practical, bipartisan, and focused on problem-solving. She was re-elected in 2022, securing a second term.
Key Policies & Achievements as Governor
Since becoming governor, Mills has prioritized several key issues:
1. Healthcare Expansion
Mills expanded Medicaid coverage in Maine, allowing more than 90,000 residents to access affordable healthcare.
2. Economic Development
She launched initiatives to boost small businesses, invest in rural development, and support Maine’s workforce.
3. Education & Child Welfare
Mills increased funding for public schools, worked to expand affordable childcare, and supported higher teacher salaries.
4. Climate & Environment
She introduced Maine’s Climate Action Plan, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy use.
5. COVID-19 Response
During the pandemic, Mills enforced safety protocols and economic relief measures, gaining both praise and criticism for her handling of the crisis.
In February 2025, Mills announced the retirement of Patrick Keliher, the long-serving Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. She praised his contributions to Maine’s fishing and marine industries, signaling upcoming leadership changes in her administration.
She has also been actively engaged in discussions with federal officials, advocating for Maine’s education policies, rural healthcare, and environmental initiatives.
Trump Threatens Maine Governor Over Transgender Athletes Policy
In February 2025, a notable disagreement occurred between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills regarding policies concerning transgender athletes.
On Friday, February 9th, President Trump publicly threatened to withhold federal funding from Maine due to Governor Mills’ stance on allowing transgender athletes to participate in sports according to their gender identity. This threat sparked a heated exchange between the two leaders.
Governor Janet Mills, who was sworn in as the 75th Governor of Maine on January 2, 2019, is the first woman to hold this position in the state’s history. Her Democratic leadership contrasts sharply with Trump’s Republican views, particularly on social issues like transgender rights.
The disagreement highlights the broader national debate over the inclusion of transgender individuals in sports, reflecting deeper ideological divides within American politics.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between federal authorities and state governments, especially when they have differing political affiliations and policy priorities.
Janet Mills has spent her entire career breaking barriers, from being New England’s first female district attorney to becoming Maine’s first female governor.
Her tenure has been marked by strong leadership in healthcare, economic growth, and education, shaping the future of Maine.
As her second term progresses, all eyes are on her next moves—will she continue her political career beyond Maine? Only time will tell.
For now, one thing is certain: Janet Mills has cemented her place in Maine’s history.
