Public Policy · Civil Rights·June 3, 2025
Education Department zeros out IMLS funding for 123,000 public libraries
Trump eliminates main federal funding source supporting libraries nationwide
Trump signed Executive Order 14238 on Mar. 14, 2025 directing IMLS elimination
IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to libraries and museums
IMLS 2024 budget was $294 million supporting libraries and museums nationwide
Administration terminated grants, dismissed board members, put 63 of 75 staff on leave
21 state attorneys general sued challenging the elimination attempt
Federal court ruled actions "arbitrary and capricious and contrary to federal law"
IMLS reinstated all canceled grants in Dec. 2025 following court ruling
Trump proposed eliminating IMLS in all four years of first term; Congress rejected each time
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