“Legal Battle Between Maine and Trump Erupts Over Funding Dispute”
Officials in Maine have taken legal action against the administration of President Donald Trump in response to the freezing of federal funds amid a controversy regarding transgender athletes in school sports. The dispute, which has been ongoing for weeks, centers around the Title IX anti-discrimination law and the inclusion of transgender students in high school athletics. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, announced a pause in funding for educational programs in Maine, citing the state’s alleged non-compliance with Title IX.
Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey filed a complaint in federal court on Monday to challenge the withholding of grant funds, arguing that it impacts essential programs that provide meals to children and disabled adults. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to prevent the USDA from withholding funds until the matter can be resolved in court. Frey emphasized that the President and his administration must adhere to the law and should not use funding as a means of coercion.
The lawsuit highlights that the child nutrition program in Maine is currently unable to access over $1.8 million in funding for the current fiscal year, affecting various meal programs for schools and other facilities. The legal action comes in response to the Trump administration’s ultimatum demanding compliance with an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in sports, threatening further funding cuts if Maine does not comply. Maine officials have stood firm, signaling their readiness to defend their position in court.
