A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to reinstate millions of dollars in grant funding for AmeriCorps and to reemploy thousands of employees, ruling that the administration’s abrupt dismantling of the agency, under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), violated federal procedures. The decision requires the administration to restore hundreds of millions of dollars in congressionally approved funding for AmeriCorps programs, which were also slashed by DOGE earlier this year.
U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman determined that the Trump administration likely breached administrative protocols by slashing AmeriCorps funding and terminating employees without proper notice or a public comment period. The lawsuit, filed earlier this year by 24 U.S. states and D.C., argued that these actions jeopardized critical community services and posed potential irreparable harm. The court emphasized that the balance of equities heavily favored the plaintiffs, who contended that the administration’s actions exceeded its authority to alter funds and staff under Congress-established rules.
The order requires the administration to provide adequate notice before making such cuts, but it does not mandate indefinite retention of the affected employees. AmeriCorps, a program created by Congress over two decades ago, had a $1 billion budget prior to this year when it became a target of DOGE, an agency previously headed by Elon Musk aimed at eliminating what the administration deemed wasteful spending. The preliminary injunction granted by Judge Boardman came after DOGE in April abruptly announced a plan to place 85% of AmeriCorps staffers on leave and cut $400 million in grants and other funding.
AmeriCorps, which employs over 200,000 staff and volunteers, provides critical support for programs such as disaster relief, senior and veteran assistance, and environmental stewardship. The lawsuit, led by attorneys general from the 24 states and D.C., argued that the cuts risked undermining these vital public services. The judge’s ruling underscores the growing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s executive actions, with the case joining a series of legal challenges targeting its policies. The decision also marks a significant moment in the administration’s second term, as it faces increasing judicial scrutiny over its handling of federal agencies and funding decisions.
New York Attorney General Letitia James praised the ruling, calling it a victory for the thousands of AmeriCorps workers who provide essential community services. She emphasized that the decision ensures their work can continue. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also voiced support, stating that halting the cuts would aid communities in responding to natural disasters, supporting seniors and veterans, and maintaining clean trails across the state. The case highlights the impact of executive overreach in the absence of proper procedural safeguards, raising questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. As the Trump administration continues to face legal challenges on multiple fronts, the AmeriCorps case exemplifies the ongoing tensions over the scope of executive authority and the protection of federal programs established by Congress.