Federal Judge Allows Trump Administration to Continue Dismantling Library Funding Agency

A federal judge denied the American Library Association's request to block the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency that funds libraries and museums. Judge Richard Leon ruled that his court lacked jurisdiction, citing recent Supreme Court decisions directing such cases involving federal grants to be heard in the Court of Federal Claims. The administration's actions followed President Trump's March 14 executive order labeling the IMLS and other agencies as "unnecessary," leading to staff layoffs, grant cancellations, and firing of the National Museum and Library Services Board. While Leon expressed concern over the impact on libraries, he emphasized procedural limitations preventing his court from intervening. Additionally, a separate Rhode Island court has temporarily blocked the agency's shutdown, with the administration appealing that decision. The ruling underscores ongoing legal and constitutional debates about executive authority over agencies established by Congress.