USDA Halts Funding to Maine Over Trans Athlete Policy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has paused federal funding to Maine due to the state’s refusal to comply with a Trump administration executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports.
In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a freeze on federal funding to Maine, following the state’s non-compliance with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February. The order aimed to ban transgender athletes from participating in sports designated for women and girls, a policy Maine has resisted, leading to a standoff with the federal government.
USDA Secretary Brooks Rollins emphasized that the state must align with Title IX protections, which ensure female athletes do not have to compete against or share facilities with males. This decision comes after Maine GOP state Representative Laurel Libby highlighted a case where a transgender athlete won a girls’ pole vault competition, sparking widespread debate and legal challenges.
Maine’s refusal to adhere to the federal directive has not only resulted in the immediate suspension of USDA funding but also threatens further sanctions. The U.S. Department of Education has set a deadline of April 11 for Maine to comply, or face additional referrals to the Department of Justice.
The controversy has deeply affected local students like Cassidy Carlisle, who shared her experiences of having to compete against and share locker rooms with transgender athletes. A recent survey by the American Parents Coalition revealed that a majority of Maine voters support restricting sports participation to biological sex, indicating significant public backing for the federal stance.
As tensions escalate, the situation in Maine remains a focal point in the broader national debate over transgender rights and sports equity.