Maine AG condemns Trump administration for funding freeze amid trans athlete dispute

In Maine, a significant legal battle unfolded as the Trump administration froze federal education funding in response to the state's refusal to comply with demands banning transgender athletes from women’s sports. On April 14, 2025, amidst escalating tensions between state officials and the federal government, a federal judge ruled that the funding freeze related to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) actions must be lifted. The decision came after Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey publicly expressed that the Trump administration's actions did not adhere to the rule of law and were unlawfully infringing upon Maine's access to federal funds aimed at assisting school children and vulnerable populations. In light of the executive order issued by President Trump on February 5, 2025, which sought to prohibit biological males from competing in girls' and women's sports, Maine openly defied this mandate, prompting the funding freeze. The state's officials responded with a lawsuit against the USDA shortly after the funding suspension was announced. The ruling by District Court Judge John Woodcock emphasized that any federal intervention regarding state funding must comply with legally required procedures and cannot hinder nutrition programs critical to the state's residents. As the situation evolved, it highlighted the broader national debate regarding trans rights in sports and the implications of federal versus state authority in such matters, with Governor Janet Mills articulating Maine's commitment to defend its policies amid a nationwide dialogue on the topic.