Trump administration freezes University of Maine funding over governor's transgender politics

The Trump administration temporarily froze funding to Maine's largest university over the state's refusal to comply with Trump's executive order on women's sports.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspended federal funding for the University of Maine System, pending a civil rights investigation.

Funding paused

The Trump administration argues that Maine is in violation of Title IX, a civil rights law that bars sex-based discrimination in education. After President Biden twisted Title IX to push a transgender agenda, Trump clarified its original purpose: protecting opportunity for women.

The president confronted Maine's governor, Janet Mills, (D) at the White House last month, as he warned Maine "better comply" with his executive order to keep men out of women's sports.

“And by the way, your population, even though it’s somewhat liberal, although I did very well there, your population doesn’t want men playing in women’s sports. So … you better comply, because otherwise you’re not getting any, any federal funding," Trump said.

"See you in court," Mills shot back.

The following day, USDA opened a review of the University of Maine's Title IX compliance, citing the state's "blatant disregard" of Trump's order, Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports. The USDA noted that the University of Maine receives $100 million from the federal agency.

The University of Maine then received an email on Monday from the USDA's Office of the Chief Financial Officer indicating funding would be halted temporarily.

“This pause is temporary in nature while USDA evaluates if it should take any follow-on actions related to prospective Title VI or Title IX violations,” the message read. “Please take any necessary actions to effectuate this direction from leadership. This pause will remain in effect until further notice.”

Collins says funding restored

According to Maine senator Susan Collins (R), the funding to the University has resumed after she consulted with the White House.

"This USDA funding is critically important not only to the University of Maine, but to our farmers and loggers, as well as to the many people who work in Maine’s agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry industries," Collins said.

Mills thanked Collins for her help with getting the funding unfrozen.

"The Governor extends her appreciation to Sen. Susan Collins for her efforts on behalf of the University of Maine System to ensure this important work continues," Mills said in a statement.

Despite this apparent temporary victory for Mills, Trump's efforts to defend women's sports are politically popular - and the issue is becoming a liability for Democrats.

Some in the party are distancing themselves from transgender advocacy, with California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) recently saying it's "deeply unfair" to allow men in women's sports.