Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Governor Mills on Maine Senate Run and Standing up to Trump
Date: October 15, 2025
Host(s): Ben Meiselas (primary interviewer), Brett Meiselas, Jordy Meiselas
Guest: Governor Janet Mills (Maine)
Overview
This episode features an in-depth interview with Governor Janet Mills of Maine, who has just announced her candidacy for the United States Senate. The conversation focuses on Mills’ history of standing up to Donald Trump—most notably, her recent legal victory protecting Maine’s school lunch program from federal interference—as well as her motivation for entering the Senate race, her perspective on the urgent issues facing Maine and the country, and how her experience differs from both incumbent Senator Susan Collins and emerging challengers like Graham Platner. The episode is rich with both direct, candid commentary and detailed reflections on defending democracy and public service.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Janet Mills’ Stand Against Trump and the School Lunch Program Case
[01:29–07:27]
- Recap of Incident: Ben introduces the moment (February 2025) when Governor Mills publicly rebuffed Donald Trump’s attempt to coerce Maine into compliance over federal requirements, captured in a viral video.
- Quote:
- Trump: “Are you not going to comply with it?”
- Mills: “I’m complying with state and federal laws.” [02:18]
- Trump: “Well, we are the federal law. Well, you better do it because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t.” [02:21]
- Mills responds directly on the podcast, describing her reaction:
- “What was jaw-dropping for me was when the President of the United States said he is the law. I mean, my God, nobody says that.” [04:35]
- Quote:
- Legal Battle: Mills recounts how after this confrontation, Trump’s Department of Agriculture (led by Brooke Rollins) threatened to cut federal funding for Maine’s school lunch program (impacting 172,000 children) due to their interpretation of Title IX.
- Judicial Victory: Mills’ administration sued and won a restraining order from a Republican-appointed judge, forcing the federal government to continue funding.
- Notable Quote:
- “He [the judge] said, whatever your view of Title IX is, you can’t stop funding for school lunch programs because of your interpretation of a different law over here.” [06:01]
- Notable Quote:
2. Mills’ Motivation for Running for Senate
[07:27–09:40]
- Public Service Track Record: Ben highlights Mills’ two terms as governor and two terms as attorney general, framing her as a dedicated public servant.
- Why Run Now?: Mills describes being compelled by worsening political conditions, the lack of “backbone” in Congress and in incumbent Susan Collins, and devastating recent legislation (“big beautiful bill”) that cuts health care and increases benefits for billionaires.
- Quote:
- “Every day the news is worse and worse. It’s like a roller coaster ride and it’s churning my stomach. I’m not the kind of person who can sit idly by and let stuff like that happen. I’m a GSD person, you know, get stuff done.” [07:49]
- Quote:
- Issues with Collins: Mills criticizes Collins for votes confirming RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health (“taking away vaccines, life-saving vaccines for children”) and Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education (“Linda McMahon, who appears to think that AI is a steak sauce… she said every child should have A1 from kindergarten on up.” [08:43])
3. Age, Experience, and Leadership
[09:40–12:41]
- Addressing Calls for Younger Leadership: Ben raises the question of whether the Democratic Party needs younger leaders, referencing Mills’ age (77).
- Mills’ Response: She acknowledges age as a fair concern, but emphasizes her experience, energy, and proven electoral record.
- Quote:
- “I don’t think I could live with myself if I didn’t do everything I can to reverse what’s going on in Washington… Not when the times are so urgent, so dangerous.” [10:16]
- “I’ve lived and run and won two statewide elections... I love this state and I love the people of the state of Maine.” [11:13]
- Quote:
4. Term Limits Commitment
[12:42–13:01]
- Mills confirms unequivocally that she would only serve one term if elected:
- Quote:
- “I would only serve one term. That’s a realistic expectation, and it’s one I would certainly agree with.” [12:54]
- Quote:
5. Primary Race and Challengers
[13:01–15:24]
- On Graham Platner: Ben mentions Graham Platner’s rapid campaign momentum and popularity with young voters.
- Mills on the Field: She welcomes the energy of new candidates but underscores her own tested leadership and ability to win, referencing her record expanding health care, funding education, and delivering paid family leave.
- Quote:
- “There is such energy out there… I’m the only one in the race who’s actually won an election. And that’s important to have… I’m the only one in the race who has stood up to Donald Trump.” [13:41, 15:06]
- Quote:
6. Closing Message to Voters
[15:51–16:46]
- Commitment to Democracy and Progress: Mills reaffirms her fight for democracy, reproductive rights, and her willingness to take on Trump again for the people of Maine.
- Quote:
- “I have stood up to bullies all my life, as my father taught me to do… I’m ready, willing and able to stand up to Donald Trump.” [15:51]
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Mills on Trump declaring himself the law:
- “My God, nobody says that.” [04:38]
- On fighting for Maine’s children:
- “She [Brooke Rollins] was not going to feed mac and cheese and toast and beans to school children anymore… 172,000 kids were going to go without school lunch because of her interpretation of Title IX. Well, geez, I said, that’s not right.” [05:22]
- On why she’s running now:
- “I’m a GSD person, you know, get stuff done. And that’s why I want to go to the U.S. Senate.” [07:19]
- On her commitment:
- “I would only serve one term. That’s a realistic expectation, and it’s one I would certainly agree with.” [12:54]
- On experience vs. new faces:
- “I’m the only one in the race who’s actually delivered progress for Maine people… and I have that experience.” [15:06]
Important Timestamps
- 01:29: Introduction to Mills’ confrontation with Trump
- 02:10: The viral Trump-Mills exchange
- 03:06: Mills’ judicial win announcement
- 04:35: Mills reflects on the Trump confrontation
- 07:27: Ben asks why Mills is running for Senate now
- 09:40: Discussing calls for younger leadership
- 12:54: Mills commits to a single Senate term
- 13:41: Mills addresses Graham Platner’s campaign momentum
- 15:51: Mills’ closing message to Maine and U.S. voters
Tone and Atmosphere
- Direct, personal, and urgent from both Mills and the Meiselas brothers.
- Mills speaks candidly about the stakes of the 2024–25 political climate, her motivations, and campaign commitments.
- Emphasis on record of accomplishment, willingness to fight, and the importance of tested leadership.
Final Message
Governor Janet Mills positions herself as the seasoned, resolute candidate ready to take on Donald Trump and the entrenched interests in the Senate for the sake of Maine and American democracy, driven by a lifelong commitment to public service, constitutional fidelity, and concrete results—while welcoming new energy into the party and promising to serve a single term.