Trump blinks, Maine wins, and women lose as USDA thaws Maine funding freeze

Augusta, Maine: Maine and President Donald Trump’s administration reached an agreement in their clash over transgender athletes in girls’ sports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to restore federal funds to Maine after the state dropped its lawsuit challenging a funding freeze tied to the issue. Details of the agreement have not been released as yet.

The dispute began in April when the USDA withheld funds over Maine’s refusal to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports. A federal judge quickly ordered the funds restored, but the legal battle escalated when the Justice Department sued Maine for allegedly violating Title IX by allowing biological males to compete in female sports.

ALSO READ

MTG's comments on Donald Trump's policies highlight growing rift between POTUS and MAGA

Hunter Biden lawyer who launched new firm to arrest Trump agenda has bizarre connection to POTUS

“The Department of Justice will not sit by when women are discriminated against in sports,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is seeking to reverse competition results involving trans athletes. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, however, accused the Trump administration of unlawfully withholding funds meant to feed children and vulnerable adults.

Meanwhile, a Maine school district (MSAD #70) voted to comply with Trump’s Title IX enforcement rather than state policy, banning trans athletes from girls’ teams. The issue has also sparked grassroots backlash, including a petition to remove a school administrator supporting transgender inclusion.

High school athlete Cassidy Carlisle, who lost competitions to a trans athlete and shared a locker room with one in middle school, took her concerns to the White House in February. Separately, state Rep. Laurel Libby, censured for naming a trans athlete in a Facebook post, is appealing her case to the US Supreme Court after lower courts ruled against her.