Here’s a rewritten and expanded version of the fact-check article, aiming for a minimum of 600 words, using Markdown formatting:

Fact-Check: Viral Facebook Post Misattributes Threatening Quote to Maine Governor Janet Mills

A fabricated quote attributed to Maine Governor Janet Mills has been circulating widely on Facebook, falsely claiming she threatened to withhold federal taxes if President Donald Trump were to cut off federal funding to the state. This deceptive post, shared over 1,400 times in just three days, is completely unfounded and has been officially refuted by the Governor’s office.

The fabricated statement reads: "If Donald Trump stops federal funding to Maine, we the people of Maine will take out federal taxes from all paychecks and no taxes will be paid to the federal government. – Maine Governor Janet Mills." This assertion is not only false but also promotes an illegal action according to the Internal Revenue Code.

The claim surfaced amidst a dispute between Governor Mills and President Trump concerning an executive order barring transgender women from participating in women’s sports. Trump confronted Mills about the state’s compliance after the Maine Principals Association indicated it would continue to allow transgender female students to compete, citing conflicts with existing state law.

During an exchange at the White House, Mills reportedly told the President, "We’re going to follow the law, sir. We’ll see you in court." This direct confrontation underscores the disagreement but does not align with the inflammatory language presented in the fabricated Facebook post.

Ben Goodman, the Governor’s press secretary, unequivocally dismissed the quote as false. "The statement is entirely false," Goodman stated in an email. He further emphasized the illegality of the proposed action, referencing the Internal Revenue Code, and highlighted Governor Mills’ respect for the rule of law. This firm denial leaves no room for doubt: the viral Facebook post is spreading misinformation.

The origin of the false quote remains unclear, but its rapid spread highlights the challenges of combating disinformation on social media platforms. The fabricated statement preys on existing political tensions and capitalizes on the controversy surrounding transgender rights and federal funding.

Governor Mills herself released two official statements on February 21st addressing the situation with President Trump. In these statements, she asserted that Maine would "not be intimidated" by Trump’s threats and characterized an Education Department probe into alleged Title IX violations as a "politically directed investigation" with a predetermined outcome. Crucially, neither of these official statements contains the purported quote circulating on Facebook. A thorough review of credible news sources also reveals no record of Mills ever making such a statement. This absence of corroborating evidence further solidifies the conclusion that the quote is a complete fabrication.

USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who initially shared the deceptive post for comment, but as of the time of reporting, no response had been received. This lack of engagement from the source raises further questions about the intent behind sharing the false information.

Reuters, another reputable news organization, has also debunked the claim, adding further weight to the conclusion that the viral Facebook post is spreading misinformation.

The incident underscores the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in the digital age. Social media users should be wary of unverified claims, particularly those that evoke strong emotions or make sensational pronouncements. Before sharing information online, it’s crucial to verify its accuracy through reputable news sources and official statements.

Fact-checking organizations play a vital role in combating the spread of disinformation. By investigating claims and providing accurate information, they help to inform the public and prevent the manipulation of public opinion. USA TODAY, as a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, adheres to strict standards of nonpartisanship, fairness, and transparency in its fact-checking work. This commitment to accuracy is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring a well-informed citizenry.

The spread of fabricated quotes and misleading information can have serious consequences, potentially influencing public discourse, shaping political opinions, and even inciting harmful actions. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals, social media platforms, and news organizations to work together to combat disinformation and promote accurate reporting.

This particular instance serves as a stark reminder of the ease with which false information can spread online and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of deceptive content. Before sharing any information, especially claims that seem extraordinary or too good (or bad) to be true, take a moment to verify its accuracy. A quick search on reputable news websites or a visit to a fact-checking organization’s website can often reveal whether a claim is legitimate or a fabrication. By exercising caution and promoting media literacy, we can all contribute to a more informed and truthful online environment. The claim that Governor Mills threatened to withhold federal taxes from the federal government if Maine’s funding was cut is unequivocally false. Always verify information before sharing!