Federal Judge Orders Funding Restored for AmeriCorps
A federal judge recently mandated that the Trump administration reinstate substantial funding for AmeriCorps and bring back thousands of employees. This ruling comes after the administration’s sudden cuts to the organization, which the judge found to be against federal law.
U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman ruled in favor of multiple states including 24 across the nation and D.C., which had challenged the administration’s decision to cut the agency’s funds. The Department of Government Efficiency, often referred to as DOGE, spearheaded these cuts.
The judge ordered the restoration of hundreds of millions of dollars that Congress had initially approved for AmeriCorps programs. Boardman argued that the administration likely overlooked necessary legal procedures when they abruptly terminated jobs and slashed budgets, failing to provide adequate notice or opportunities for public input.
Despite the ruling not requiring the Trump administration to maintain these positions permanently, it emphasizes the need for proper notification if such actions are taken again.
AmeriCorps was established by Congress over 20 years ago and typically operates with a budget around $1 billion. The agency was recently targeted for significant reductions by DOGE, led previously by Elon Musk, aiming to eliminate unnecessary spending.
The judge noted that the states involved sufficiently showed they would face serious harm without the court’s intervention, highlighting the importance of the agency’s work within communities.
The court’s injunction follows DOGE’s earlier announcement to place roughly 85% of AmeriCorps staff on leave and to cut around $400 million in grants.
State attorneys general brought the lawsuit, arguing that the administration acted beyond its authority by failing to provide proper notice regarding the layoffs and budget cuts. They insisted that the abrupt changes would lead to lasting damages to the communities benefiting from AmeriCorps services.
While the ruling is a win for the states involved, it clearly states that it applies only to those who took legal action.
In response to the ruling, New York Attorney General Letitia James labeled it a victory for those who serve the community through AmeriCorps. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also backed the decision, highlighting how restoring funding will benefit local responses to natural disasters and support for seniors and veterans.
This latest decision reminds us of the critical role that organizations like AmeriCorps play in our society, bringing much-needed support to communities across the nation.
