Even Maine’s lobster boats weren’t safe. Trump’s April 17 order aimed to “deregulate” the fishing industry, including scaling back protections for endangered whales. Lobstermen saw opportunity. Environmentalists saw danger. The North Atlantic right whale—already nearing extinction—was at the center.
“Maine fishermen have a right to work,” said Rep. Bruce Poliquin. “But not by wiping out a species,” countered conservation lawyer Erica Fuller.
PULL-QUOTE: “Not by wiping out a species.” – Conservationist Erica Fuller
In every agency, every courtroom, and every harbor, the lines were drawn.
The pattern was clear. Trump issued the orders. Maine said no. Then came the lawsuits.
By April’s end, Maine was party to at least five multi-state legal challenges and two solo suits. Courts had already blocked two Trump actions (refugee freeze and lunch funding). Others remained pending. Meanwhile, Maine lawmakers scrambled to protect state laws, and its people kept marching.
Some Republicans aligned with Trump. But even Senator Susan Collins broke ranks on key issues. “Denying school meals over sports policy is wrong,” she said.
Trump took notice. At a rally, he called Mills “a liberal maniac defying commonsense.”
Maine wore it like a badge.
In town halls and fish markets, libraries and gymnasiums, Mainers debated what was being done in their name—and what they were willing to resist.
PULL-QUOTE: “Maine isn’t anti-Trump for the sake of politics. We’re defending our people.” – State lawmaker
One teenager in Bangor put it plainly: “I just want to play soccer with my friends.”
Another in Eastport said, “If the whales are gone, so are the tourists.”
And a lobsterman in Stonington said, “I voted for Trump—but I want the damn science too.”
Maine’s motto is Dirigo: I lead. In 2025, that means leading the fight to stay Maine.
Whether these battles end in court wins, federal rollbacks, or deeper divides—Maine is on the map. Not just for its elections, but for its defiance.