COMMON DREAMS • Marcy 11, 2025
The Trump administration on Tuesday stepped up its clash with Maine's Democratic-led government over the state's support for transgender women who play on women's sports teams, as the University of Maine announced $100 million in its federal funding had been halted. Gov. Janet Mills told President Donald Trump she will "comply with state and federal law." UMS has used its current USDA funding to invest in numerous projects, including but not limited to:
• Research on PFAS forever chemicals, on Maine farms;
• The development of sustainable packaging materials derived from Maine's forests;
• Research on the health and sustainability of the state's lobster fishery;
• Support for 4-H youth leadership and STEM skill development programs serving tens of thousands of Maine youth annually; and
• Education and outreach to Maine livestock farmers on farm biosecurity and disease outbreak preparedness.