Stand Up For Maine - Oct. 14, 2025

NEWS REPORTER 1: Governor Janet Mills blasted President Trump today.

NEWS REPORTER 2: Janet Mills clashed with President Trump.

NEWS REPORTER 3: Sparring with Maine’s governor.

TRUMP: Is Maine here? The governor of Maine?

MILLS: I’m here.

TRUMP: Are you not, going to comply with it?

MILLS: I’m complying with state federal laws.

TRUMP: We are the federal law. You better do it because you’re not going to get any funding at all if you don’t.

NEWS REPORTER 3: The governor said,

MILLS: See you in court.

NEWS REPORTER 3: “See you in court.”

MILLS: I did see him in court and we won.

NEWS REPORTER: Federal judge who ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funds for the state of Maine.

MILLS: You know, my father was a seventh-generation Mainer who stood up for people who couldn't stand up for themselves. And when I was little, he told me, "You can't let bullies have their way or they'll never stop."

So, I heard my father's voice when the bullies in power said a woman couldn't be a prosecutor or an attorney general, or a governor.

So, I fought back and I won. And yes, it was my father's voice I heard that February morning when the president of the United States confronted me.

We stood up to Trump and stopped him from cutting the school lunch program for Maine kids. But there are too many politicians in Washington, including Susan Collins.

TRUMP: Susan Collins, we want to thank.

MILLS: Who forgotten their principles and let bullies like Trump have their way. And it's hurting Maine people. I've never backed down from a bully. And I never will. Honestly, if this president and this Congress were doing things that were even remotely acceptable, I wouldn't be running for the US Senate.

But when Trump rips away health care for millions of Americans and drives up costs on everything from groceries to housing to trucks and cars, then turns around and gives corporate CEOs a massive tax cut. And Susan Collins helps him do it. After she helped him overturn Roe V Wade, I hear my father's voice saying, "Fight back, Janet. I won't sit idly by while Maine people suffer and politicians like Susan Collins bend a knee as if this were normal.

My life's work has prepared me for this fight, and I'm ready to win. This election will be a simple choice.

Is Maine going to bow down or stand up.

I know my answer.

Janet Mills for Maine. (2025, October 14). Stand Up For Maine [Video]. Reuploaded by Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unhuJreGdYU