Judge Rules Dismantling of IMLS May Continue
On June 6, a federal judge denied a motion to block the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). ALA issued the following statement about the ruling.
— American Libraries magazine (@amlibraries.bsky.social) June 7, 2025 at 8:49 AM
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In a blow to a lawsuit brought by the American Library Association (ALA) and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration may move forward with its efforts to dismantle the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The ALA remains committed, however, to fight the administration's March Executive Order to effectively shut down the IMLS, which provides funding for libraries and museums across the US:
With today’s ruling, the IMLS – a non-partisan and independent agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums and libraries and the crucial community services they provide in every state across the country – may face devastating cuts to grants and services that will make it impossible to operate as required by Congress. The case will now proceed on the merits in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Meanwhile, a case brought by 21 states seeking to rescind the order continues to make its way through the courts. And the US Government Accountability Office released a report in June stating the IMLS order was issued in violation of the Impoundment Control Act. As Publishers Weekly notes, however, budget currently before Congress, if approved, could seal the fate of the IMLS:
On the horizon looms the Republican-led FY2026 budget proposal, which if adopted will starve IMLS and many other federal agencies out of existence regardless of these legal decisions. FY2025 ends on September 30. If Congress fails to allocate IMLS funding, the agency’s Grants to States program, discretionary grants, and employment will dry up.