The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has made a significant announcement today, May 21, reinstating grants that were previously revoked by the Trump administration. This decision comes after a federal lawsuit was filed by a coalition of attorneys general from 21 states against Trump’s executive order in March, which aimed to dismantle the IMLS and other organizations considered “unnecessary.” The lawsuit also targeted the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution.
Federal Judge John McConnell, appointed by Obama, ruled that Trump’s executive order violated the Administrative Procedures Act, emphasizing the importance of Congress making laws and appropriating funds. As a result, McConnell issued a preliminary injunction against the IMLS, preventing the execution of the mandate and reversing the drastic cuts to government arts and culture funding.
In addition to reinstating grants, McConnell ordered the IMLS to bring back all employees who had been terminated or placed on leave following the executive action. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3403, representing IMLS workers, had reported that the entire staff was placed on leave, with thousands of grants being terminated as part of the downsizing.
IMLS acting director Keith Sonderling sent out a brief email to grant recipients, informing them of the restoration of their awards in compliance with the court’s injunction. However, recipients were also cautioned about a pending appeal that could potentially affect the future reinstatement of their grants.
Among the institutions that received news of their grant reinstatement is the West End Museum in Boston, which focuses on preserving the diverse culture of the neighborhood. Executive Director Sebastian A. Belfanti expressed relief at the reinstatement of their grant, which supports a majority of the museum’s educational programs. However, he highlighted the ongoing uncertainty in the federal funding landscape, making it challenging for organizations to plan ahead.
Similarly, the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles confirmed the reinstatement of a grant for a project on Japanese artist Henry Sugimoto. Despite this positive development, the museum expressed concern over the elimination of grant programs that support education and preservation efforts.
This recent legal victory for IMLS workers follows a temporary restraining order granted on May 2, blocking Trump’s attempt to dismantle the agency. The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the IMLS, along with the National Endowment for the Arts and NEH, in its 2026 budget proposal. These actions have sparked concerns about the impact on humanities and arts programs in communities across the country.
Overall, the reinstatement of grants by the IMLS is a significant step forward for organizations in the arts and culture sector. However, the ongoing challenges and uncertainties in the federal funding landscape continue to pose obstacles for these institutions as they strive to carry out their important work.
