Trump administration sued by 21 states' attorneys general for trying to eliminate Institute of Museum and Library Services

A coalition of 21 state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for attempting to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and other federal agencies through executive orders, which they claim violate the US Constitution. Following an executive order that led to severe staff reductions, the agency's employees were placed on administrative leave. The lawsuit argues that dismantling agencies like the IMLS would severely impact public services and funding for libraries and museums, among other critical state programs.

The Trump administration is once again violating the US Constitution and the rule of law by attempting to unilaterally shut down agencies the president doesn't like, including agencies that give the public access to facts, knowledge, and cultural heritage for free or at low cost.

Dismantling these agencies would have a devastating impact on the public and on states across the nation—they provide important services for Americans and collectively provide billions of dollars to states to support libraries and museums, innovation and entrepreneurship for disadvantaged businesses, and help resolve labor disputes.

This action is not punitive but rather is taken to facilitate the work and operations of the agency.

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