Donald Trump engaged in a furious row with the Governor of Maine over transgender athletes during a fractious meeting at the White House.

Democrat Janet Mills came face to face with the president at a session of the National Governors Association in the State Dining Room on Friday.

While delivering a speech Trump mentioned his recent executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in girls and women's sports, and that he understood Maine was not complying.

He said 'Is the Governor of Maine here?' and when Mills stood up from behind a table, Trump asked: 'Are you not going to comply with that?' 

Mills responded: 'I'm complying with state and federal laws.'

Trump said: 'Well, we are the federal law. You better do it because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't. 

'And, by the way, your population, even though it's somewhat liberal I did very well there. Your population, it doesn't want men playing in women's sports. So you better comply, otherwise you're not getting any federal funding.'

Mills countered: 'We're going to follow the law sir. We'll see you in court.' 

Trump hit back: 'Good, I'll see you in court, I look forward to it. That should be a real easy one.' 

He then indicated that it would be the end of her career.

'And enjoy your life after governor because I don't think you'll be in elected politics,' the president said.