Maine, Trump admin settle funding freeze suit over trans sports policies

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey on Friday said the state had reached a settlement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to resume its federal funding, which was paused amid a feud over transgender athletes. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins froze funds for administrative and technological functions in Maine schools last month after the state failed to comply with an executive order that bans biological men from competing in women's sports.

Maine sued the department in response to the pause, but agreed to drop the lawsuit on Friday in exchange for the restoration of federal funding.

“It’s unfortunate that my office had to resort to federal court just to get USDA to comply with the law and its own regulations," Frey said in a statement. "But we are pleased that the lawsuit has now been resolved and that Maine will continue to receive funds as directed by Congress to feed children and vulnerable adults.”

The state also filed a voluntary notice of dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.