California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a significant legal development concerning federal agencies. The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island has granted a preliminary injunction, halting the dismantling of several federal agencies while litigation is ongoing. This decision affects the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Attorney General Bonta expressed his views on this legal victory: “The Trump Administration is attempting to dismantle critical federal agencies without any consideration for the Americans that rely on the programs and services these agencies provide,” he stated. “It’s not just damaging – it’s also illegal. I am pleased with this latest decision by a court blocking the President’s unlawful actions, and I look forward to continuing to make our case in court. California will always fight to protect our public libraries and museums and the facts, knowledge, and cultural heritage they provide.”
This injunction follows a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bonta along with a multistate coalition on April 4, 2025. The lawsuit challenges an executive order from the Trump Administration that directs certain congressionally established agencies to eliminate components not required by statute and reduce functions to their minimum statutory requirements. Additionally, it instructs the Office of Management and Budget to deny these agencies authorization to spend allocated federal funds beyond what is minimally required.
The recent ruling marks another step in ongoing legal efforts against what has been described as "unlawful actions" by the Trump Administration.