- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has temporarily paused millions of dollars in federal funding to the University of Maine System. This comes pending a review of compliance with a new order aimed at banning transgender athletes from competing in certain sports.
- The freeze follows a tense exchange between President Donald Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills, where Trump warned that funding would be pulled if trans athletes were allowed to participate in sports in Maine.
- UMS has provided responses to the USDA confirming its athletic programs comply with state and federal laws, as well as the NCAA’s policy barring male-assigned athletes from competing in women’s sports.
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The University of Maine System (UMS), a network of eight public colleges in the state, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has temporarily paused millions of dollars in federal funding, pending a review of compliance with a new order aimed at banning transgender athletes.
The freeze comes after President Donald Trump had a tense exchange with Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills at the White House in February.
Speaking to the National Governors Association on Feb. 21, Trump called on Mills, warning her that the federal government would pull funding from Maine schools if they allowed trans athletes to play in sports.
“We’ll see you in court,” Mills responded to Trump.
The day after the argument, the USDA launched a compliance review accusing UMS of disregarding President Trump’s order.
How is a lack of funding impacting Maine universities?
In fiscal year 2024, the USDA gave UMS about $30 million in funding. The frozen grants impact research to understand contamination on Maine farms as well as money for youth programs, fishermen and foresters.
According to the USDA order, “The pause will remain in effect until further notice,” or until all actions related to possible violations are evaluated.
How is UMS responding?
The school system said Tuesday, March 11, that it had provided responses to the USDA confirming its athletic programs complied with state and federal law.
School officials also said they complied with the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s policy barring varsity athletes assigned male at birth from competing in women’s sports.
