The recent battle over the fate of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has taken a new turn as a federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFL-CIO), arguing that the administration cannot eliminate the agency without congressional approval.
The ALA, which receives significant funding from IMLS grants, warned that the cuts to the agency could force them to abandon important public programs. United States District Judge Richard J. Leon issued a temporary restraining order, preventing further cuts to grants or staff layoffs while the case is being deliberated.
The decision was welcomed by ALA President Cindy Hohl, who emphasized the need for Congress to fully fund IMLS in the upcoming federal budget. The Trump administration’s move to appoint Keith Sonderling, a figure with no relevant experience in museums or libraries, to lead the agency had raised concerns among critics.
Judge Leon found that the administration’s actions violated congressional appropriations and the responsibilities outlined in the Museum and Library Service Act of 2003. He expressed concerns about the potential harm that further dismantling of IMLS could cause, citing instances where grant terminations had led to the abrupt end of vital library programs.
The temporary restraining order comes at a critical time, as the Trump administration has proposed complete defunding of IMLS, along with other arts and culture agencies, in its budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The fate of IMLS remains uncertain, as it is unclear how the restraining order will impact the administration’s budget proposal to eliminate the agency.
Hohl described the current situation as a “five-alarm fire” and called on library supporters to urge their Senators and House Representatives to support federal library funding. The IMLS and AFL-CIO have yet to respond to requests for comment on the latest developments.
As the battle over IMLS continues, the future of federal funding for libraries and museums hangs in the balance. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the cultural and educational landscape in the United States.
