Trump halts funding to University of Maine System after epic showdown with Governor Janet Mills over transgender athletes

President Donald Trump has suspended funding for research and programs at the University of Maine System (UMS) after he clashed with Democrat Governor Janet Mills over the state's refusal to ban transgender athletes from girls' sports.

In an email received by UMS, the chief financial officer at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) ordered all payments to be paused while the department 'evaluates if it should take any follow-on actions' related to possible violations at the school.

USDA’s chief financial officer ordered 'awarding agencies and staff offices to temporarily no longer issue any payments or authorize any other releases of funding to Columbia University or the University of Maine System.' 

The email continued: 'This pause is temporary in nature while USDA evaluates if it should take any follow-on actions related to prospective Title VI or Title IX violations. Please take any necessary actions to effectuate this direction from leadership. This pause will remain in effect until further notice.' 

The school had received almost $30 million in USDA funding in fiscal year 2024. 

The decision comes hot on the heels of Trump's public spat with Mills during an address at the State Dining Room in the White House over the president's executive order seeking to bar transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports. 

After asking if she was following the guidelines, Trump told her: 'You better do it because you're not going to get federal funding.'

Mills shot back, 'We're going to follow the law, sir. We'll see you in court!'

Trump retorted: 'Enjoy your life after governor, because I don't think you'll be an elected official afterwards.'

The following day, Mills' office responded with a statement threatening legal action against the Trump administration if it withheld federal funding from the state. 

In response, the USDA announced an investigation into whether the University of Maine was violating federal law prohibiting sex discrimination.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has already determined the state and its Department of Education violated Title IX by allowing transgender athletes to compete and has made a referral to the US Department of Justice. 

During his March 4 address to a joint session of Congress, Trump once again reaffirmed his intent to punish states that continue to allow trans athletes to compete with girls. His administration has now acted on that promise.

On Saturday morning there was a protest against Mills entitled the 'March Against Mills' outside the Maine's State House.

Several female athlete took turns to speak out against the Democratic governor.

It was Republican Maine state Rep. Laurel Libby brought attention to the issue after she identified a biological male who had competed in and won a girls state pole vault competition for Greely High School on social media. 

Libby was censured by the state's House of Representatives and Speaker Ryan Fecteau for her post. 

Libby has since filed a lawsuit against Fecteau as she looks to have her voting and speaking rights restored.

The school said on Tuesday that it had provided responses to USDA confirming its athletic programs were in compliance with state and federal law, as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association's policy barring varsity athletes assigned male at birth from competing in women's sports.

According to the university, the USDA funding supports 4-H, a social and educational youth program; training to help farmers manage pests; and research to ensure the sustainability of Maine's lobster industry, among other programs. 

Republicans hammered Democrats on transgender issues especially when it came to youth and sports ahead of the 2024 election, capitalizing on a broader culture war over LGBTQ rights.

Trump has said he will also push the International Olympic Committee to change its rules on transgender athletes before the 2028 Los Angeles Games.