A federal judge in Maryland ordered the Trump administration on Thursday to restore AmeriCorps-funded programs in Washington, DC, and 24 Democratic-led states as their lawsuit over recent cuts proceeds.
The defendants shall RESTORE the affected AmeriCorps programs in the plaintiff states to the status quo prior to the April 25, 2025 grant terminations by REINSTATING the grants in the plaintiff states that were terminated and by RETURNING to service the AmeriCorps and VISTA members who were serving on those programs as of the date of the grant terminations.
In late April, the states and the District of Columbia sued the Corporation for National and Community Service, which operates as AmeriCorps, alleging that the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiated mass layoffs and significant funding cuts to AmeriCorps that prevented it from continuing operations.
The lawsuit claims the administration usurped Congress’ authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act by “failing to engage in notice-and-comment rulemaking.” The plaintiffs assert: “The Administration is free to ask Congress to abolish AmeriCorps, but it cannot simply terminate the agency’s functions by fiat or defund the agency in defiance of administrative procedures, Congressional appropriations, and the Constitutional separation of powers.”
US District Court Judge for the District of Maryland Deborah Boardman wrote in the order granting the preliminary injunction that the defendant likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act and that plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm if the injunction were not granted.
According to America’s Service Commissions, AmeriCorps promotes service and civic engagement. Members serve various community needs, particularly in underserved communities, including through after school programs, food pantries, and senior and veteran services.
Meanwhile, defendant’s request to stay the order was denied, and they must instead submit a status report to the court by June 10 on efforts to restore workers and funding as required through the preliminary injunction.
