Maine Sea Grant Termination Faces Backlash, Renegotiation

The Trump administration's decision to terminate the $4.5 million Maine Sea Grant, which supports coastal economies and fisheries research, has sparked significant backlash. Jordon Hudson, linked to Bill Belichick, publicly appealed to President Trump to reconsider, emphasizing the grant's economic impact. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, along with Rep. Chellie Pingree, have been vocal in their opposition, highlighting the program's role in generating $23.5 million annually and supporting over 300 businesses and 560 jobs. NOAA’s termination letter cited the program's irrelevance to current administration priorities, despite 33 other Sea Grant programs retaining funding. Following discussions with Collins, the administration has agreed to renegotiate the funding, provided it aligns with Maine's coastal economic priorities. The abrupt withdrawal is seen by some as politically motivated, tied to Maine's policies on transgender athletes and previous tensions with Trump.