The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has paused funding for the University of Maine System (UMS). The decision follows Governor Janet Mills’ refusal to enforce a federal executive order that bans transgender-identifying males from competing in women’s sports at federally funded schools.
Trump’s Executive Order on Gender and Sports
President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, just days after taking office. The order prohibits biological males from participating in women’s sports. It aligns with his administration’s policy that gender should be based on biological sex at birth.
A previous order in January also required federal agencies to define sex strictly as male or female in government documents, including passports and prison assignments.
USDA Freezes Funds Over Compliance Concerns
The USDA suspended funding while reviewing potential Title IX and Title VI violations. This move comes shortly after Trump’s March 4 speech, where he pledged action against states defying the order.
On Tuesday, UMS confirmed the funding freeze. According to an email obtained by Fox News, the USDA directed agencies to “temporarily suspend all payments and funding authorizations” to Columbia University and UMS. The email stated that the pause would remain in place while the USDA evaluates potential violations.
UMS Claims Compliance with Federal Rules
A UMS spokesperson insisted that the universities comply with state and federal laws. They also noted that UMS schools belong to the NCAA and are unaware of any Title IX violations.
In 2024, the USDA provided $29.78 million to UMS for research. Over the years, the department has granted the university system more than $100 million.
NCAA Updates Gender Eligibility Rules
The NCAA recently revised its policy on gender eligibility. It now prohibits biologically male athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Trump Threatens Funding, Mills Pushes Back
On February 20, Trump warned Republican governors that Maine’s universities would lose federal funding if the state continued allowing biological males in female sports. The next day, Governor Mills’ office threatened legal action if federal funds were withheld.
Tensions escalated further at a bipartisan governors’ meeting at the White House. Trump directly addressed Mills, stating, “If you don’t comply, you won’t receive a single dollar of federal funding.” He added that even in a liberal-leaning state, “people don’t want men competing in women’s sports.”
Mills responded, “We’ll see you in court.”
Federal Investigations Launched
Hours after the dispute, the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into Maine’s policies on transgender athletes and potential Title IX violations.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found Maine in violation of Title IX and referred the matter to the Department of Justice for further action.
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