Hundreds Show Up To Protest Maine Gov. Janet Mills Over Trans Sports Policy

About 500 Maine residents on Saturday gathered in front of the State House to protest Democrat Governor Janet Mills’ refusal to keep men out of female sports and spaces.

Earlier this month, Mills clashed with President Donald Trump at the White House, telling POTUS she will not enforce his orders on gender and would see him “in court” over the issue. The heated exchange between the pair was sparked by the news of a transgender-identifying high school boy taking first place in girls’ pole vaulting at Maine’s Class B state championship — a win that helped the high school take first place overall.

The protest against Mills garnered about 500 people, according to State Rep. Katrina Smith, and seems to have sparked organically, with the help of a resident-created “March Against Mills” Facebook event and a Change.org petition. The protest comes in stark contrast with an event held last week in support of Mills, which reportedly brought out “dozens” of supporters.

“Huge turnout in Augusta to march for women’s equality in sports,” The Maine Wire reported Saturday, captioning footage from the event.

Huge turnout in Augusta to march for women’s equality in sports: pic.twitter.com/6s05NrqwaK

— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) March 1, 2025

“A large protest organized by grassroots activists has developed at the State House in Maine in opposition to Maine Gov. Janet Mills continuing to force girls to play sports against male athletes,” investigative reporter Steve Robinson posted to X, sharing photos of the protest.

A large protest organized by grassroots activists has developed at the State House in Maine in opposition to Maine Gov. Janet Mills continuing to force girls to play sports against male athletes. pic.twitter.com/x6bQvrxB2p

— Steve Robinson (@BigSteve207) March 1, 2025

Huge turnout in Augusta to march for women’s equality in sports: pic.twitter.com/6s05NrqwaK

— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) March 1, 2025

A “March Against Mills” Facebook event organizing the protest says that Mills’ transgender policies do not align with her residents’ values and underscores the need to “hold our elected officials accountable.”

“Maine citizens are deeply dissatisfied with the policies introduced by our Governor, Janet Mills,” the Facebook post reads. “I believe strongly that her policies are not in alignment with the wishes and values of the majority of Mainers. The feeling of disconnect between the populace and leadership is palpable and widespread.”

“Various statistics underline rural-urban divide that has been exacerbated by the Governor’s decisions,” it continues. “Example: keeping boys out of female sports.”

“It is imperative that we hold our elected officials accountable. I implore you to come show your support and protest against Mills to get her out of her elected seat! These politicians are supposed to work for us, not for themselves and their agenda!” the post concludes. “Together we can work to ensure our government truly represents us all.”

The event was promoted on a Change.org petition calling for Mills’ resignation. The petition, which currently has more than 23,000 signatures, was started by a woman named Melissa Moulton, who is also one of the organizers of the “March Against Mills” Facebook event.

Since Maine has made clear that they will continue to allow males in female spaces, Trump has said publicly that he’ll be withholding federal funds from Maine and the United States Departments of Education and Agriculture have launched Title IX investigations into the state.

Related: ‘I Will Not Be Silenced’: Democrats Censure Maine’s Laurel Libby For Calling Out Trans Sports Policy