The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has paused funding to the University of Maine System (UMS) after the state refused to comply with former President Donald Trump’s executive order barring transgender athletes from women’s sports.

The USDA is reviewing potential Title IX and Title VI violations. A UMS spokesperson confirmed the funding halt, citing an email from the USDA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer instructing agencies to suspend payments. The message described the pause as temporary, pending further evaluation.

UMS maintains compliance with state and federal laws and NCAA regulations, asserting no knowledge of Title VI violations. The system received $29.78 million from the USDA in 2024 alone and over $100 million in recent years.

The controversy intensified after Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby highlighted a transgender athlete’s participation in a girls’ high school event. This led to police presence at Greely High School, Libby’s censure by state legislators, and her subsequent lawsuit against House Speaker Ryan Fecteau.

Gov. Janet Mills warned of legal action against the Trump administration over the funding halt, leading to a heated White House exchange. Soon after, the U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into Maine’s policies on transgender athletes.

Per Fox News, public demonstrations followed. At the “March Against Mills” protest outside the State House, female athletes spoke out, while pro-trans activists rallied outside Libby’s home. As tensions rise, the future of federal funding and policy enforcement in Maine remains uncertain.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?