Attorney General Charity Clark, part of a multistate coalition, has filed a lawsuit challenging the decision by the Trump Administration to terminate AmeriCorps grants and significantly reduce the agency's workforce. AmeriCorps, a federal agency, engages Americans in community service to address educational, public safety, and environmental needs, providing opportunities for over 200,000 Americans to serve annually.
"AmeriCorps is a program meant to recruit and retain talented young people who can help revitalize our communities in many ways, including rebuilding our housing stock and preserving our natural environment," said Attorney General Clark. "I'm suing to stop the Trump Administration from dismantling AmeriCorps – which the executive branch lacks the authority to do – and prevent the further degradation of Vermont’s workforce and housing."
AmeriCorps supports community service programs through grants to local and national organizations, addressing critical needs. A recent executive order by the Trump Administration required federal agencies to plan workforce reductions, leading AmeriCorps to place 85% of its staff on leave and notifying them of terminations effective June 24, 2025.
Vermont was informed on April 25, 2025, of the cessation of AmeriCorps grant programs, impacting about 300 members last year who supported 7,339 children and youth, managed over 22,000 volunteers, and contributed to land and trail improvements. Since 1994, over 6,600 Vermonters have served approximately 9.8 million hours with AmeriCorps.
Attorney General Clark's complaint argues that the Trump Administration's actions violate the Administrative Procedures Act and the separation of powers, as Congress created AmeriCorps and its programs, which the President cannot incapacitate. The administration's actions are claimed to breach the Executive Branch's duty to ensure the law is executed faithfully.
This lawsuit marks the twelfth action against the Trump administration by Attorney General Clark since President Trump assumed office.