The Trump administration has decided to suspend all federal grants from the U.S. Interior Department to Maine. This action stems from concerns over a hiring policy in the state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) that includes sex-based quotas. The administration claims this policy discriminates against men, violating federal law.
The suspension is part of a broader freeze on federal funding to Maine. This freeze follows an investigation into Governor Janet Mills’ handling of Title IX regulations, particularly regarding girls’ sports. The Trump administration argues that the state is not protecting female athletes from competing against biological males, which they see as a violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.
In a letter to MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso, Paul Souza, the regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, outlined the reasons for the funding suspension. He stated that the policy requires hiring panels to consist of 50% women, which he believes violates Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and activities. The letter indicated that all federal grant funding would cease by May 15 unless the state changes its policy.
The MDIFW’s hiring policy mandates that all hiring panels include an equal number of men and women. If there is an odd number of panelists, organizers are instructed to try to include more women. This requirement has drawn criticism from the Trump administration, which views it as a form of discrimination.
Steve Robinson, an investigative reporter and editor for The Maine Wire, highlighted that Judy Camuso is the agency’s first female commissioner. He noted her significant salary increase since 2018, raising questions about the implications of the current policy.
The conflict between the Trump administration and Governor Mills escalated earlier this year when she publicly disagreed with Trump’s order to keep biological males from participating in girls’ sports. Mills maintained that she was adhering to state law, which has led to further scrutiny and legal challenges from the federal government.
In addition to the funding freeze, Attorney General Pam Bondi recently announced a civil lawsuit against Maine for its policies regarding transgender athletes. The lawsuit argues that the state is violating federal law by allowing boys to compete in girls’ sports, which the suit claims undermines opportunities for female athletes.
As the situation develops, Maine faces significant pressure to comply with federal regulations or risk losing vital funding. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for state policies on gender and sports.