Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alongside 20 other attorneys general, has successfully secured a court order preventing the Trump administration from dismantling three federal agencies. These agencies are crucial in providing services and funding to public libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses across the United States.
In April, Raoul joined a coalition to sue the Trump administration over an executive order that aimed to dissolve the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday to halt the implementation of this executive order, thereby safeguarding these agencies.
"The administration’s actions jeopardize critical library and museum programs across the state. These programs help residents of rural communities and underserved youth access educational opportunities and technology," stated Raoul. "I am proud to stand with my fellow attorneys general to stop the unconstitutional attempt to dismantle agencies created by Congress."
The contested executive order represents another effort by the administration to dismantle federal entities contrary to congressional intent. Attorney General Raoul, together with his colleagues, argues that eliminating these agencies would adversely affect communities in Illinois and nationwide that depend on their services.
The IMLS provides support through grants, research, and policy development for museums and libraries; the MBDA fosters minority-owned business growth via federal financial aid; while the FMCS facilitates labor dispute resolutions.
The court's decision emphasizes that there is a strong likelihood of success for claims that this executive order violates both the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional provisions by attempting to abolish congressionally established agencies.
Joining Attorney General Raoul in this legal action are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.