A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to release federal funds to Maine after the USDA froze payments over the state’s transgender sports policy. The decision temporarily blocks enforcement of President Trump’s executive order tied to Title IX compliance.
Key Facts:
- U.S. District Judge John Woodcock Jr. ruled the Trump administration must release frozen federal funds to Maine.
- The USDA cut off funding to Maine, citing the state’s policy allowing males to compete in female sports.
- The judge’s Temporary Restraining Order says the administration didn’t follow required legal procedures under Title IX.
- Sen. Susan Collins sided with Trump’s position, stating Title IX was created to protect biological females in sports.
- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey argued the administration acted unlawfully in withholding funds.
The Rest of the Story: Judge Ruled Trump Must Unfreeze Funds to Maine
The clash between the Trump administration and the state of Maine centers on Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education.
At issue is Maine’s decision to allow biologically male students to participate in girls’ and women’s sports.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Maine's AG has sent a letter to the Trump administration confirming that Maine will NOT comply with Title IX, and will continue to discriminate against Maine women and girls. pic.twitter.com/qGbhmmq9Br
— Rep. Laurel Libby (@laurel_libby) April 11, 2025
In response, the USDA froze federal payments to the state, arguing Maine was out of compliance with Title IX.
Judge John Woodcock Jr. intervened by issuing a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), compelling the USDA and Secretary Brooke L. Rollins to immediately release all frozen funds.
The order blocks further attempts to suspend Maine’s funding without following formal procedures, such as giving proper notice and conducting hearings.
This decision comes amid rising national debate over how Title IX should apply to gender identity in school sports.
Republicans say the law was designed to protect female athletes from unfair competition.
Democrats argue that transgender rights are part of broader civil rights protections.
The conflict between how the State of Maine and the Administration interpret Title IX needs to be resolved. I agree with the federal government’s position that biological males should not compete in girls and women’s athletics. Policies to the contrary violate the original…
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) April 11, 2025
Commentary: Judge Ruled for Maine, but Voters Deserve Accountability
This ruling is another case where activist judges block a sitting president from carrying out the duties of the executive branch.
Title IX is clear—it protects biological women from being forced to compete against males in sports.
That’s the intent behind the law, and the public overwhelmingly supports this.
The Trump administration followed through on that promise by tying federal funds to states’ compliance.
If Maine wants federal money, it should follow federal law.
The executive branch has long held the power to attach strings to federal dollars.
President Reagan did it in the 1980s signing a law requiring states to raise the drinking age in order to receive highway funds.
There’s precedent.
Yet Democrats in Maine, backed by unelected bureaucrats and activist judges, are choosing to fight common sense.
The judge’s order doesn’t say the administration was wrong about Title IX—it says the procedure wasn’t followed.
That’s a legal technicality, not a moral win.
Congress needs to step up and codify the intent of Title IX into federal law, clearly defining eligibility in school athletics.
If Democrats want to ignore voters and push radical policies, they should do so without taxpayer funds.
But for now, the people of Maine—especially the girls losing out on fair competition—are the ones paying the price.
This is not about compassion; it’s about fairness.
Biological differences matter in sports.
Elected leaders who refuse to recognize that are failing their constituents.
The judge may have ruled for Maine temporarily, but in the long run, this isn’t a winning battle for those ignoring reality.
The Bottom Line: Judge Ruled Trump Must Unfreeze Funds to Maine
The court’s ruling halts the Trump administration’s funding freeze but does not settle the larger debate over Title IX and transgender athletes.
While Democrats in Maine celebrate a short-term legal victory, they remain at odds with the law’s original intent—and with the majority of Americans.
Until Congress steps in, this fight will keep returning to the courts, leaving students and schools caught in the middle.
Read Next
– Space Force Commander Who Undermined JD Vance in Greenland Pays The Ultimate Price
– America’s Budget Deficit Just Exploded—and It’s Not Slowing Down
– Idaho Governor Signs Strongest Medical Freedom Law in The Country, This Changes Everything