Maine universities agree to keep transgender athletes out of women's sports after Trump admin pauses funding

President Donald Trump spars with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over an executive order prohibiting trans athletes from competing in girls and women's sports.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that the University of Maine System (UMS) has agreed to comply with President Donald Trump's executive order to keep transgender athletes out of women's sports. 

UMS, a network of eight public universities in Maine, was subject to a temporary pause in funding from the USDA last week during an ongoing battle between the state and the federal government over trans inclusion in women's and girls sports. The funding was reinstated just days later. 

The USDA now claims the UMS is in full compliance with Trump's executive order. 

TRUMP ADMIN RESPONDS TO MAINE'S RELUCTANCE TO BAN TRANS ATHLETES FROM GIRLS SPORTS

"After the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated a Title IX compliance review regarding federal funding, the University of Maine System (UMaine) has clearly communicated its compliance with Title IX’s requirement to protect equal opportunities for women and girls to compete in safe and fair sports, as articulated in President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order," the USDA said in its announcement. 

"Any false claim by the UMaine can, and will, result in onerous and even potentially criminal financial liability." 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building entrance sign. (Getty Images)

UMS Chancellor Dannel Malloy provided a statement to Fox News Digital, saying the system is "relieved" to have come to an understanding with the USDA. 

"The University of Maine System has always maintained its compliance with state and federal laws and with NCAA rules, which the U.S.