California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 23 other state attorneys general and two states, initiated a legal challenge against the Trump Administration's recent actions concerning AmeriCorps. The lawsuit addresses the administration's decision to terminate AmeriCorps grants and drastically reduce its workforce by 85%, which is said to undermine the agency's function in addressing important educational, public safety, and environmental needs nationwide.
Bonta expressed concerns regarding the administration's decision, stating, "AmeriCorps volunteers bring out the best in America and in our communities. By abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce and volunteers, DOGE is dismantling AmeriCorps without any concern for the thousands of people who are ready and eager to serve their country — or for those whose communities are stronger because of this public service."
California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in on the issue, noting, "Service sits at the very core of who we are as Americans. California is suing the Trump administration to defend thousands of hardworking service members and the communities they serve. These actions by President Trump and Elon Musk not only threaten our funding – they vandalize our values. We’re going to fight to stop them."
AmeriCorps operates by providing opportunities for community service, awarding grants to organizations nationwide to address various community needs. Members have connected veterans to services, combated the opioid crisis, and assisted older adults, among other responsibilities.
Earlier this year, an executive order instructed federal agencies to plan for workforce reductions, resulting in AmeriCorps placing a significant portion of its workforce on administrative leave. Notifications were issued that employment would terminate in June 2025, affecting over 1,031 programs across the country, including those in California.
The coalition's complaint criticizes the administration for violating the Administrative Procedures Act and the U.S. Constitution by disrupting AmeriCorps operations, which Congress created. Bonta, joined by attorneys general from Maryland, Delaware, and Colorado, lead the coalition in this legal endeavor.
AmeriCorps has historically supported numerous California initiatives, such as low-income community services, and invested over $133 million in the state in 2024. With the Los Angeles fires earlier this year, AmeriCorps members provided crucial assistance until program cessation.
This lawsuit aims to challenge the legality of the administration's actions, asserting that these measures dismantle efforts crucial to public service and community betterment nationwide.