The Daily Signal
Victor Davis Hanson: Gov. Janet Mills Doesn’t Know It Yet, But She’s an ‘Insurrectionist’
Apr 16, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson, a classicist and military historian, dives into the controversial stance of Maine's Governor Janet Mills on transgender participation in women’s sports. He argues that her actions represent an extreme interpretation of states’ rights, likening her to an 'insurrectionist' and a 'neo-Confederate.' Hanson references ancient literature to illustrate gender identity debates, highlighting how such issues reflect a significant cultural shift. He emphasizes the historical context and fairness challenges for women in athletics amidst the evolving landscape of gender identity.
08:11
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Quick takeaways
- Victor Davis Hanson argues that Governor Janet Mills' defiance of federal mandates on transgender athletes illustrates extreme states' rights, labeling her an insurrectionist.
- The podcast highlights concerns about fairness in women's sports, questioning whether biological males who transition have advantages that undermine female athletes' rights.
Deep dives
Federal Resistance and States' Rights
The episode discusses the contentious issue of states' rights in relation to federal mandates, particularly around transgender athletes competing in sports. It emphasizes the case of Governor Janet Mills of Maine, who is resisting an executive order from Donald Trump that mandates only biological women compete in women's sports. This resistance is framed as an insurrectionary act, drawing parallels to historical instances where states defied federal authority, which raises the question of whether states have the right to oppose federal law. The speaker argues that such actions undermine the established legal structure where states must comply with federal regulations, particularly following a legal defeat.
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