In Portland, Maine, it was announced that the Trump administration has agreed to cease all efforts to freeze funds designated for a child nutrition program in the state. This decision comes following an initial suspension of funds, which stemmed from a disagreement surrounding policies on transgender athletes. In light of this resolution, Maine has decided to withdraw its lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, confirmed by Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey.
Attorney General Frey expressed frustration over the necessity of resorting to legal action to get compliance from the USDA. However, he indicated satisfaction with the outcome where the lawsuit is now resolved, ensuring that Maine will continue to receive Congressional funding to support food for children and vulnerable adults.
Correspondence was sought with the Agriculture Department for further comments on Friday, but the main focus remains on the resolution of the dispute. Initially, the conflict arose from the federal government’s action to halt funding for specific administrative and technological functions within Maine’s educational institutions.
A letter from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins cited the root of the issue to be a conflict over compliance with Title IX, particularly related to policies concerning transgender athletes. Former President Trump had accused Maine of not adhering to his executive order that restricted transgender athletes’ participation in sports.
Following Secretary Rollins’ communication, Maine’s Department of Education reported an inability to access several federal funding sources critical to a state nutrition initiative, according to court documents. The state quickly filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, highlighting that the child nutrition program had received or expected to receive over $1.8 million for the current fiscal year, with more than $900,000 of prior-year funds still inaccessible. Additionally, about $3 million was anticipated for summer meal program administration and reimbursement.
Last month, a federal judge ruled in favor of Maine, ordering the administration to unfreeze the funds, supporting the state’s legal stance. Governor Janet Mills commended the legal team’s efforts, emphasizing the victory in safeguarding essential funding for school meals. This action preserved the ability to provide healthy meals to approximately 172,000 schoolchildren in Maine.