Federal Judge Permits Trump Admin to Cut Library and Museum Funding

Significant Concerns Raised Over U.S. Libraries and Museums Amidst Federal Court Decision

Washington, D.C. - In a pivotal courtroom development, a federal judge has refused to halt the Trump administration's initiative to reduce the operations of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The recent decision in ALA v. Sonderling allows these budget cuts to proceed as the judicial process continues. The lawsuit was initiated by Democracy Forward and Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP, representing the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Recently, a federal district court in Rhode Island implemented a temporary prohibition against closing the agency while a related case is in progress, and this decision still stands.

“ALA is disappointed that the court did not grant our motion for preliminary injunction. The extent to which some libraries have already cancelled services and programming – and even lost staff in some cases – is evidence of the importance of IMLS. ALA will not rest until libraries in every state receive the funding promised and IMLS is back in full force to meet the information needs of all Americans,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl.

“Our fight to protect our nation’s libraries and museums will continue,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “This administration cannot ignore the separation of powers and dismantle agencies established by Congress at will. After we obtained an initial temporary restraining order, another federal court in a case brought by state attorneys general has agreed with our position and blocked the gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. So, while we disagree with today's decision, the fight is not yet lost. We will regroup and continue moving this case forward.”

“Museums and libraries are vital for people and communities across our nation. Attacking those who ensure the continuity of their services is an attack on access to information and the truth itself. Democracy Forward is committed to working to protect these important institutions in our country. We will explore all legal avenues available to us as we continue this case,” said Robin Thurston, Legal Director at Democracy Forward.

With this ruling, IMLS, an independent agency known for its bipartisan support since its establishment in 1996, could face severe reductions to its funding and services. These changes threaten its ability to comply with congressional mandates to support libraries and museums nationwide. Currently, the focus shifts to the ongoing case in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

First established by Congress, IMLS has played a fundamental role in funding libraries and museums under various administrations, from Clinton to Trump. According to the lawsuit, the proposed budgetary reductions violate legal obligations by eradicating programs that Congress has allocated resources for.

The legal team from Democracy Forward includes counsel Rachel Fried, Orlando Economos, Kayla Kaufmann, Robin Thurston, and Skye Perryman.