Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced Delaware will co-lead a coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia in a legal challenge against the Trump Administration’s decision to dismantle AmeriCorps. The federal agency engages the nation in community service across various sectors, servicing over 200,000 Americans annually. The administration plans to reduce AmeriCorps' workforce by nearly 90%.
Attorney General Jennings stated, “It’s getting harder by the day to see anything but cruelty motivating the Trump Administration. There is no debate here. These grants make a life-changing difference in kids’ futures, and they cost a fraction of a penny to Delaware taxpayers. No serious adult believes that teaching kids to read hurts America. These cuts are senseless, destructive, and illegal. We’re not letting this happen.”
Senator Chris Coons, co-Chair of the Senate National Service Caucus, commented on the issue, emphasizing the importance of AmeriCorps members in various community services. He stated: “The Trump administration’s illegal actions are ripping away help from cities and towns that need it. I’m fighting back in Congress urging the administration to reverse its reckless actions, and I’m proud that Attorney General Jennings is leading the fight to defend AmeriCorps in the courts.”
Governor Matt Meyer expressed his commitment to the lawsuit. “AmeriCorps taught me that leadership is about service, not status, and the Trump Administration’s assault on Delaware’s programs is as un-American as it is immoral,” Meyer declared, voicing strong support for defending community service values.
Among Delaware organizations impacted are West End Neighborhood House, Children’s Beach House, and Reading Assist. Caroline O’Neal, CEO of Reading Assist, addressed the sudden federal funding cuts’ impact: “This decision immediately impacts 17 Fellows serving Delaware students — including military veterans, single parents, a Fellow battling cancer, and a Fellow who planned to use their education award to pursue a master’s degree in education.”
John Sullivan, Executive Director of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, expressed disappointment over the grant terminations, emphasizing the importance of community partnership during this challenging period.
A February executive order from the Trump Administration directed federal agencies to plan large-scale workforce reductions, affecting AmeriCorps, which notified staff of impending terminations by June 24, 2025. The coalition argues that dismantling AmeriCorps breaches the Administrative Procedures Act and constitutional separation of powers, hindering states' ability to support programs. This action affects over $1 million in Delaware grants to nine organizations, including Reading Assist and Children’s Beach House.
Joining Delaware in leading the lawsuit are Maryland, California, and Colorado, plus attorneys general from 19 other states and the District of Columbia, with support from the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.