On Friday, Feb. 21, the nation’s governors gathered at the White House, where President Donald Trump once again displayed his belief that government is not a democratic but rather an extension of his personal power. When discussing his executive order to ban transgender girls from participating in sports, Trump turned his attention to the Governor of Maine, Janet Mills, demanding to know whether she would or would not comply with his order. Mills calmly explained that Maine would be “Following state and federal laws.” Trump’s response was terrifying: “We are the federal law.”
This statement alone is worrying. It declares that Trump views himself as the highest authority, situated well above the checks and balances that have defined American democracy for decades. But what was even more alarming was the threats that followed this assertion. Trump explained that he would cut off federal funding to Maine if their governor did not align with his plans, making it crystal clear that he views federal funding as a tool to bend politicians to his will rather than a way to support and serve the American people.
This declaration is yet another sign that Trump simply doesn’t understand how democracy works (or at least pretends not to). Federal funding is not a political weapon to be wielded against states and politicians that refuse to succumb to Trump’s authoritative ways. It exists to support education, infrastructure, healthcare and countless other programs that assist millions of everyday Americans. Trump’s threat to stop sending federal funds to Maine over a policy disagreement is not just an abuse of power–it is beyond authoritative in nature.
Aside from the political implications a move like this has, this situation exposes Trump’s willingness to use the rights and livelihoods of transgender individuals as political pawns. Banning transgender girls from sports is not about “fairness.” It is about rallying a group that feeds off of division and exclusion. By pressuring governors into submission by threatening to cut those who don’t off from receiving federal aid for their state, Trump is making it evident that his vision for America is one that eats away at state rights and weaponizes presidential power against marginalized communities.
Mill’s response was the best one. Following state and federal law is, by definition, not an act of defiance. Instead, it is the very essence of what governing in a democracy is supposed to look like. However, Trump’s declaration that “We are the federal law” underscores his blatant disregard for the separation of power and the rule of law this country was founded on. This threat against Maine was not an isolated attack or incident; it was a warning to every state leader in the room that afternoon that if they, too, do not bend to his agenda, they will also face consequences.
Americans need to recognize the gravity of these words and actions. Trump’s willingness to punish states for upholding the law, his total disregard for democratic processes, as well as his use of transgender rights as a political weapon should alarm anyone who values their freedoms and equality. History has repeatedly shown how dangerous it is to remain silent in the face of authoritarianism. Martin Niemöller, an early Nazi supporter later imprisoned for his opposition to Hitler, once said, “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Just because a policy does not target you today does not mean you will be safe tomorrow. Silence is complicity, and once Trump turns on you, there may be no one left to stand in your defense. Recognizing that just because you are not currently under attack doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fight for those who are; silence is not an option but rather an endorsement.
