The federal government is ordered to free up the money supported by controlling the state’s decision to allow trans athletes to compete in women’s sports.
In a 70-page ruling, Judge John A. Woodcock Jr. ordered the Department of Agriculture and its secretary, Brooke Rollins, to “quickly freeze” the money that was refunded as the state chose not to follow the president’s enforcement actions.
Agents are also prohibited from withholding future funds for similar reasons.
Meanwhile, the court distanced itself from debates over trans athletes.
“As per the state’s request, the court has not oppressed the merits of the controversy about trans athletes that form a deadlock between the state and the federal defendant,” Woodcock wrote in his decision.
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He went on to explain that the decision was based on failing to follow the Agriculture Department’s regulatory protocols when withholding funds.
“In fact, the federal defendant has not argued that in this case the relevant federal laws and regulations for terminating federal funds for state programs do not apply to this situation, nor has he allegedly complied with applicable federal laws in the events leading up to this lawsuit.”
The Trump administration argued that the courts lacked proper jurisdiction to hear the case, and that Maine “has not claimed irreparable harm.”
Tensions erupted at a February meeting with the governor at the White House as President Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills refrained from the issue before and after a fierce period.
When Maine chose not to prohibit trans athletes from competing with women, Rollins wrote in a letter on April 2, warning her that the agricultural sector is “freezing Maine federal funds for certain administrative and technical functions in schools.”
State officials celebrated the ruling and said it would help protect nutrition programs aimed at benefiting at-risk groups.
The Epoch Times reached the White House for comment.
