Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today responded to President Trump’s threat to withhold federal education funding from Maine, releasing the following statement:

“Federal funding is not a political bargaining chip. President Trump’s threat to cut off funding to Maine is not only an egregious abuse of power—it’s an unconstitutional act of coercion designed to force states into compliance with his extreme and discriminatory agenda. The courts have repeatedly ruled that the federal government cannot withhold funding arbitrarily or use it as leverage to undermine established civil rights protections, including those enshrined in Title IX. The state’s policies are in compliance with the Maine Human Rights Act and reflect our commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for all students. No president—Republican or Democrat—has the right to punish an entire state for upholding these principles. If the President attempts to follow through with this threat, we will fight this in Congress, in the courts, and alongside every Mainer who believes in equality under the law.”

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