Maine officials have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to the government freezing federal money over a dispute about transgender athletes in high school sports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture paused funding for Maine educational programs due to concerns about the state’s compliance with Title IX anti-discrimination law. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey filed a complaint seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the USDA from withholding money that goes towards feeding children in schools, childcare centers, and after-school programs.
Frey stated that the child nutrition program is currently unable to access over $1.8 million in funding for the current fiscal year, as well as prior year funds exceeding $900,000. The program was also anticipating around $3 million in July for summer meal program sponsor administration and meal reimbursement. The USDA officials did not return a request for comment on the matter.
The tensions between Maine and the Trump administration have been ongoing since February when Trump threatened to pull funding if the state does not comply with his executive order barring transgender athletes from sports. Maine Governor Janet Mills responded by saying “We’ll see you in court.” The Trump administration has warned of further funding cuts if Maine does not prevent transgender athletes from participating in sports. Maine officials are determined to defend their stance on the issue and ensure that federal funding for child nutrition programs is not unjustly withheld.
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