What did Donald Trump do today?

He decided his hurt feelings were more important than Maine schools.

This morning, Trump repeated a threat to withhold federal funds from Maine schools unless its governor, Janet Mills, makes a personal and "full throated apology" to him. Trump claims that Mills made an "unlawful challenge" to him when she said she would fight Trump's attempted purge of transgender students in court. Maine allows transgender girls to play sports, but it's not clear how many—if any—actually do.

Title IX, the section of federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program, does not bar transgender students from participating in sports—although Trump has now decided that it does, which is the heart of the conflict. Earlier this week, a federal judge blocked Trump's most recent attempt to purge the armed forces of transgender servicemembers.

Trump has no legal authority to withhold funds appropriated by Congress until state government officials personally humble themselves before him. 

There is a history to Trump's demand that Mills personally soothe his feelings. Last month, at a White House meeting of state governors, Trump singled Mills out for criticism during his remarks to the group. Mills responded that Maine would abide by state and federal law, to which Trump responded "We are the federal law." Mills replied that she would see Trump in court. 

Visibly upset at being challenged, Trump said he thought Mills didn't have much of a future in politics and changed the subject.

Why does this matter?

• Trump is not a king, and state governors are not his vassals.

• Funding schools is more important than placating a president's hurt feelings.