In a week marked by legal maneuvering and high-profile nominations, the federal judiciary and the state of Maine found themselves at the center of two significant developments: a partially granted appeal in a major funding case involving Harvard University and the nomination of a well-known Maine judge to serve as the state’s top federal prosecutor. Both stories unfolded against a backdrop of political tension and administrative uncertainty, with the ongoing government shutdown casting a long shadow over proceedings.
On the national stage, the Trump administration’s battle with Harvard University over federal funding reached a new chapter. According to multiple reports, Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued an order last month requiring the administration to reinstate nearly $3 billion in federal funding that had been cut from Harvard. The ruling, handed down in September 2025, marked a significant setback for the administration, which has been at odds with several universities over funding and policy matters throughout its tenure. However, the story is far from over. As reported by several outlets, including The Boston Globe, the case is still awaiting a final judgment. That’s because both Harvard and the federal government must first agree on how to implement Judge Burroughs’ decision. Without this agreement, the judgment remains in limbo, and the Trump administration is unable to proceed with an appeal.
The uncertainty has been further compounded by the ongoing government shutdown, which officials cited as grounds for delay in the case as of October 2, 2025. Legal experts note that shutdowns can stall court proceedings, delay administrative decisions, and complicate negotiations between parties. For Harvard, the stakes are high: nearly $3 billion in federal funding hangs in the balance, money that supports research, scholarships, and a wide array of academic programs. For the federal government, the case is emblematic of broader efforts to assert control over how federal dollars are distributed and to whom.
Meanwhile, in Maine, President Donald Trump made headlines of his own by nominating Andrew Benson, a respected District Court judge, to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Maine. The nomination, announced on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, comes at a time of transition and heightened concern over law enforcement priorities in the state. If confirmed by the Senate, Benson would succeed Darcie McElwee, a former U.S. attorney who was fired by Trump in February of this year. McElwee, who had been nominated by former President Joe Biden, has since been appointed as a Maine Superior Court justice, taking her oath of office on March 28, 2025.
Benson’s credentials are hard to dispute. He grew up in Bethel, Maine, and now resides in Athens, serving as a judge based in Skowhegan. His legal journey began in the Office of the Maine Attorney General, where he built a reputation as a tough, fair-minded prosecutor. In 2014, he was appointed to the District Court by Republican Governor Paul LePage, and in 2021, he was reappointed by Democratic Governor Janet Mills—a testament to his bipartisan appeal. According to Barbara Cardone, spokesperson for the Maine Judicial Branch, Benson is expected to continue serving as a judge until he is officially sworn in as U.S. attorney, should his nomination be confirmed.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, has thrown her support behind Benson, expressing hope for bipartisan backing in the Senate. In a written statement, Collins underscored the urgency of filling the position given the state’s current challenges. “At a time when our state faces such serious threats, including illegal Chinese marijuana grow houses and increasing drug trafficking from out-of-state gang members, it is especially important that we fill this seat quickly,” Collins said. She pointed to Benson’s unanimous confirmation as a judge by the Maine Senate on two prior occasions as evidence of his broad support and qualifications.
Senator Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, is taking a more measured approach. According to his staff, King has met with Benson and is reviewing the nomination, awaiting further information from the Senate Judiciary Committee before making a final decision. The committee has yet to schedule a vote on Benson’s nomination, leaving the timeline for confirmation uncertain.
In the interim, Craig Wolff, a career prosecutor who previously served as McElwee’s first assistant U.S. attorney, has been acting as the state’s top federal prosecutor. Wolff’s steady hand has kept the office running, but many in Maine’s legal community are eager for a permanent appointment. John Alsop, a longtime attorney and former Somerset County probate judge, offered high praise for Benson, describing him as “highly competent, highly ethical and faithful to the law, and knowledgeable of it.” Alsop, who has worked alongside and against Benson in several high-profile cases—including the landmark 2012 trial of Jay Mercier, which solved Maine’s oldest cold-case homicide—said, “Andrew is exceptionally eloquent and forceful, but very much a gentleman. He believes in the system. He handles himself in the courtroom with great ethics and accomplished skill. He’s a good lawyer, he’s a good judge, and I think he’ll make a fine prosecutor in the U.S. attorney’s office.”
The nomination comes at a time when Maine is grappling with complex law enforcement challenges. Senator Collins specifically mentioned the proliferation of illegal marijuana operations linked to Chinese nationals and a surge in drug trafficking by out-of-state gangs. These issues have put additional pressure on federal and local authorities to coordinate their efforts and ensure that the state’s legal system remains robust and responsive.
For Benson, the transition from judge to federal prosecutor would mark a significant shift. As a judge, he has been known for his even temperament and commitment to fairness. As U.S. attorney, he would be tasked with setting the tone for federal law enforcement across the state, prioritizing cases, and working closely with local, state, and national agencies. Supporters believe his diverse background—spanning prosecution, adjudication, and community engagement—makes him uniquely suited for the role.
Back in Massachusetts, the unresolved funding dispute between Harvard and the federal government serves as a reminder of the broader tensions between academia and Washington. While Judge Burroughs’ order to reinstate nearly $3 billion in funding was a clear rebuke to the administration’s earlier cuts, the lack of a finalized judgment means that uncertainty lingers. Both sides must still hammer out the details of how to implement the court’s decision, and with the government shutdown dragging on, there’s no telling when a resolution might be reached.
As October unfolds, both Maine and the nation at large are watching closely. The outcome of the Harvard funding case could set a precedent for future disputes between universities and the federal government, while Benson’s nomination offers a glimpse into the evolving priorities of federal law enforcement in one of New England’s most closely watched states. With high stakes, strong personalities, and no shortage of political drama, these stories are far from over.
In the end, the coming weeks will determine not just the fate of Harvard’s funding and Maine’s top prosecutor, but also the direction of federal policy and the rule of law in a time of uncertainty.
