Attorney General Nick Brown, along with attorneys general from 20 other states, has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration. This legal action is aimed at preventing the dismantling of three federal agencies that support libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide.
The concern arises from an executive order issued in March by the Trump administration. This directive proposes the dismantling of federal agencies created by Congress that provide significant funding for programs across all states. As an immediate consequence, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), one of the targeted agencies, has placed most of its staff on administrative leave and plans to cut numerous grants for state libraries and museums.
The lawsuit, backed by Brown and the coalition, seeks to halt the administrative action against the IMLS and two other federal agencies. These agencies deliver essential services that millions of Americans, particularly in underserved communities, depend on.
"Communities throughout Washington benefit from the work of these agencies to support libraries, promote minority-owned businesses, and protect workers' rights," Brown stated. "Trump claims he's carving up wasteful spending, but in reality, he's illegally gutting popular programs that support people with limited resources in our towns and cities."
In 2024, the IMLS allocated $180 million in grants to libraries nationwide through its Grants to States Program. The new administrative moves threaten the employment of library staff nationwide, impacting community services. Additionally, changes in the administration have slashed the staff of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) from 40 to just five individuals, and stopped new grant issues, affecting small businesses. Similarly, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) has reduced its staff from about 200 to fewer than 15, announcing the termination of several key programs vital to unionized workers.
The coalition argues that the executive order breaches the Constitution and Administrative Procedure Act by eliminating funding programs without adhering to established laws and regulations governing federal spending. The lawsuit contends that the president lacks the authority to unilaterally override laws concerning federal funds, challenging Congress's constitutional power to decide expenditure.
This lawsuit is spearheaded by attorneys general from New York, Hawaii, and Rhode Island, with further support from their counterparts in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
The complete lawsuit is available for review online.
Attorney General Nick Brown's office continues to provide legal services and representation for Washington state agencies, upholding consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental laws for its citizens. More information can be accessed at www.atg.wa.gov.