Trump Withdraws Lawsuit Against Maine Over Transgender Sports Funding

Donald Trump’s administration has reversed its decision to freeze federal funding for Maine’s child nutrition programs after a contentious legal battle with the state over transgender athletes’ participation in school sports. The dispute began when Trump threatened to withhold funds unless Maine complied with his executive order banning trans girls from girls’ sports, prompting Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey to challenge the administration in court. Ultimately, a settlement was reached: Maine will continue to receive Department of Agriculture funds, and the state withdrew its lawsuit, with neither side admitting fault. The conflict highlighted the broader national debate over trans inclusion in sports and drew strong opposition from Maine officials and community advocates, who emphasized support for trans youth and condemned the threat to vital nutrition programs as punitive and harmful. The resolution was celebrated by Maine’s leadership as a victory, while advocates stressed the importance of resisting what they view as discriminatory policies. This episode underscores the tension between state and federal approaches to transgender rights and education policy.