- The Trump administration reversed its decision to pause funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the University of Maine System (UMS). This restored millions of dollars in federal support after Sen. Susan Collins intervened.
- The USDA initiated a compliance review of UMS in response to concerns about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, following President Donald Trump’s executive order banning such participation.
- The restored USDA funding supports programs at Maine universities, including research and 4-H.
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In a swift reversal, the Trump administration restored all U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to the University of Maine System (UMS) Wednesday night, March 12, according to Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.
Collins’ office said the change came after the senator consulted the Trump administration.
On Monday, March 10, UMS said the administration paused federal funding to its eight public colleges, pending an investigation to determine whether the school system violated a federal civil rights law for allowing transgender athletes in Maine to play on women’s sports teams.
Title IX is a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools and education programs that receive federal funding.
What led to the compliance review?
On Feb. 21, President Donald Trump had a tense exchange with Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills at the White House. In the exchange, Trump warned her 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.
On Feb. 22, the USDA launched the compliance review.
In a statement, the USDA said the review is in response to Maine’s “blatant disregard” for Trump’s executive order intended to ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
The statement went on to say that the University of Maine is an institution that receives over $100 million in USDA funding.
The school system said it had provided responses to the USDA confirming its athletic programs complied with state and federal law.
What is USDA funding used for at Maine universities?
The USDA funding at Maine universities supports several activities, including research, 4-H and University of Maine’s Tick Lab.
In a statement Wednesday, Collins commented on the restored funding.
“This USDA funding is critically important not only to the University of Maine, but to our farmers and loggers, as well as to the many people who work in Maine’s agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry industries,” Collins said. “Now that funding has been restored, the work that the University does in partnership with the many people and communities who depend on these programs can continue.”
Mills also released a statement on the change.
“The Governor welcomes the decision by USDA to restore funding to the University of Maine System. It is a relief to the many students, staff, and faculty who depend on that funding to support cutting-edge research and development, prepare for careers in Maine, and make valuable contributions to our rural communities and our economy. This decision also benefits many Maine farmers, loggers, and others who work in close partnership with UMaine. The Governor extends her appreciation to Sen. Susan Collins for her efforts on behalf of the University of Maine System to ensure this important work continues.”
Statement from Maine Gov. Janet Mills
The USDA has not commented on the reversal of the funding freeze.
