Attorney General Neronha has joined a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's decision to dismantle AmeriCorps. The move follows the administration's reduction of the agency's workforce by 85%, effectively curtailing its ability to continue its operations and manage community service programs nationwide.
AmeriCorps, an independent federal agency, engages Americans in service tasks addressing educational, public safety, and environmental needs, providing opportunities for over 200,000 Americans annually. Attorney General Neronha emphasizes, “This President has never acted selflessly in his entire life, and so it should come as no surprise that he is attempting to shutter an independent federal agency that has provided meaningful public service opportunities and extraordinary value for millions of Americans for many, many years.”
The Trump Administration's directive, issued in early February, called for federal agencies to reduce their workforce. Consequently, AmeriCorps placed approximately 85% of its workforce on administrative leave and indicated terminations effective from June 24, 2025. On April 25, Rhode Island was notified of the termination of its AmeriCorps grant programs supporting various service efforts in the state.
The lawsuit argues that the abrupt termination of critical grants and workforce reductions effectively closes AmeriCorps, violating the Administrative Procedures Act and constitutional provisions. Congress created AmeriCorps and its programs, and the suit claims the President’s actions unlawfully incapacitate the agency from fulfilling its congressional mandate. Additionally, the administration allegedly failed obligations to ensure laws are faithfully executed.
In Rhode Island, AmeriCorps supports community programs via ServeRI, managing over $6.7 million in federal funding for volunteer efforts. Last year, 2,900 members participated in programs addressing education, housing, and environmental challenges, with significant contributions to local economies.
The coalition of states filing the lawsuit includes, among others, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia, alongside Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The legal action seeks to reinstate AmeriCorps' capacity to perform its duties and preserve its contributions to community resilience and service.