Court Orders Trump Administration to Restore Maine's Federal Funding Amid Transgender Athlete Dispute
A court ruling has temporarily restored federal aid to Maine while the state resists Trump administration pressures on transgender athlete participation.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
A U.S. District Court has instructed the Trump administration to unfreeze federal aid to Maine following the state's pushback against an executive order aimed at banning transgender girls from girls' sports. The ruling coincided with Governor Janet Mills' defiance against federal scrutiny on Title IX compliance. While the Education Department initiated proceedings to terminate Maine's $250 million K-12 funding, Judge Woodcock's order prohibits the USDA from cutting nutrition program funds. This legal conflict highlights ongoing tensions between state policies protecting gender identity and federal demands for compliance, stirring debates among Maine residents.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
- A U.S. District Court judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze federal aid to Maine to comply with requirements under a law aimed at prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education, despite the state's ongoing conflict over transgender athlete participation.
- Polling data indicates a significant portion of Maine residents support limiting transgender participation in girls' sports, illustrating a divided public opinion on the issue.
- Maine's education leaders have publicly resisted compliance with federal demands regarding transgender inclusion in sports, citing a state law that protects gender identity. The conflict has heightened with ongoing legal challenges against federal funding cuts.
Articles (7)
Center (3)
FAQ
The Trump administration demanded that Maine sign a resolution agreement aligning its policies with an executive order that bans transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports, citing compliance with Title IX. However, Maine refused, arguing that Title IX does not prohibit such participation.
A U.S. District Court ruled that the Trump administration must lift the freeze on federal funding to Maine, prohibiting the USDA from interfering with the state's funding without following legally required procedures.
The dispute could lead to the loss of substantial federal funding, including over $250 million for K-12 education. Additionally, the USDA had paused millions of dollars in funding to the University of Maine System.
History
- 5M
3 articles