Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with attorneys general from 20 states, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. This legal action aims to prevent the dismantling of three federal agencies. These agencies, which assist public libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses, face significant changes due to a recent Executive Order issued by the Trump administration.
The Executive Order in question threatens the operations of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), among other agencies, by placing its staff on administrative leave and cutting multiple grants allocated for state libraries and museums. "Donald Trump’s attempt to slash funding for libraries and museums across the nation, lay off employees who help mediate labor disputes, and gut an agency that supports small businesses, all in defiance of laws passed by Congress, is immoral and unlawful," stated Attorney General Ellison.
This lawsuit seeks to protect services and funding that are important to many Americans, especially those in underserved communities. Attorney General Ellison emphasized the adverse impact on communities relying on these agencies for support, notably libraries, small businesses, and workers. In support, the lawsuit highlights that in 2024, IMLS provided $180 million to libraries nationwide through its Grants to States Program.
Additionally, the number of staff at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has been reduced from 40 to five, and it has stopped issuing new grants. Similarly, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) has reduced its staff significantly, impacting its core programs that help unionized workers.
The legal coalition argues that the Executive Order violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by disregarding regulations governing federal funding. The coalition asserts that the president is overstepping by making unilateral changes to federal spending laws.
Leading this lawsuit are the attorneys general from New York, Rhode Island, and Hawaii with participation from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office affirms its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity.