EveryLibrary Statement on Federal Court’s Temporary Restraining Order Halting the Dismantling of IMLS
EveryLibrary welcomes the decision made on May 1, 2025, by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to halt the Trump Administration’s unlawful attempt to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
This order, aimed at preserving the status quo and restoring operations to their condition prior to March 14, is both appropriate and urgently needed. It reaffirms that IMLS must continue to operate as directed by Congress, including the resumption of Grants to States and other critical grant programs that libraries, museums, and non-profit organizations across the nation depend on.
We are especially relieved that, under this order, the agency’s dedicated staff will not face mass termination on May 5. These public servants, who are responsible for administering federal funding, data collection, and professional development programs, were at risk of unjust dismissal for political reasons. The court’s decision prevents this injustice and provides a path forward while the litigation continues.
We commend the plaintiffs, the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), for taking this bold legal action. We would also like to recognize the outstanding legal team at Democracy Forward for their continued success in defending the rule of law against numerous executive actions.
This ruling represents a significant victory for the rule of law. This case is not yet concluded, and it proceeds alongside a separate lawsuit brought by 21 State Attorneys General that also challenges the March 14 Executive Order. This multi-front defense of the statutory obligations and FY2025 budget of the Institute of Museum and Library Services is vital for protecting state libraries, public libraries, museums, and non-profit grant recpients.
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