“University of Maine Faces Funding Suspension Amid Dispute with Government”
By Joseph Ax (Reuters) – The University of Maine announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has halted funding for research and programs at the university. This decision follows a disagreement between President Donald Trump and Governor Janet Mills regarding the state’s stance on transgender athletes in girls’ sports. In an email received by the university, the USDA’s chief financial officer instructed a pause on all payments while the department reviews potential civil rights violations at the school. The university disclosed that it had received $30 million in USDA funding in fiscal year 2024. The USDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The conflict between President Trump and Governor Mills arose on February 21, when they debated Trump’s executive order aiming to restrict transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. Trump warned Mills about potential consequences, stating that federal funding may be at risk. Governor Mills stood firm, affirming that the state would adhere to the law and indicating a willingness to take the matter to court. Trump’s response implied possible repercussions for Mills’ political career.
Following this exchange, the USDA launched an investigation into whether the University of Maine was violating federal regulations against sex discrimination. The university confirmed that its athletic programs comply with state and federal laws, as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s policy on transgender athletes. The USDA funding supports various initiatives, including the 4-H youth program, pest management training for farmers, and research to sustain Maine’s lobster industry.
(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Michael Perry)
