Trump Administration Cuts Maine Federal Funding Over Transgender Athlete Policies

The federal government has launched multiple investigations and funding freezes targeting Maine for allowing transgender girls to compete in girls' sports, citing alleged Title IX violations.

President Donald Trump criticized Maine Governor Janet Mills for refusing to enforce a federal ban on transgender girls competing in girls' sports, threatening to withhold federal funding.
Six federal agencies, including the Department of Education and USDA, have opened investigations or frozen funding for Maine institutions, citing alleged noncompliance with Title IX.
The USDA has paused nearly $30 million in funding to the University of Maine System, affecting agricultural research, youth programs, and other projects, with no timeline for resolution provided.
Maine officials argue the federal actions conflict with state laws protecting gender identity and accuse the administration of using investigations as a political tool.
The controversy has drawn national attention, with some viewing Maine as a test case for broader enforcement of federal policies on transgender athletes in other states.