Attorney General Kathy Jennings has secured a court order to prevent the Trump administration from dismantling three federal agencies that support public libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses. In April, Jennings joined 20 other attorneys general in a lawsuit against the administration's Executive Order aimed at dissolving the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued an order granting a preliminary injunction to halt this Executive Order.
Jennings emphasized the importance of these institutions by stating, "The thousands of museums and libraries across our country generate a value that is greater than any line item on a budget." She further criticized the administration's attempts to undermine essential support systems for workers and minority entrepreneurs.
The Executive Order represents another instance where the Trump administration sought to dismantle federal agencies contrary to Congress's intentions. The injunction prevents actions against IMLS, MBDA, and FMCS. IMLS supports museums and libraries through grants, research, and policy development; MBDA promotes minority-owned businesses with financial assistance programs; FMCS aids in resolving labor disputes peacefully.
The coalition argues that dismantling these agencies would harm communities nationwide that depend on their services. The court found a strong likelihood of success for states' claims that the Executive Order violates both the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional provisions regarding agency establishment by Congress.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin have joined this legal effort.