US judge orders Trump to restore AmeriCorps funding, personnel

A federal judge has made a significant ruling against the Trump administration, ordering the restoration of grant funding for AmeriCorps and the reemployment of thousands of employees. The judge found that the administration’s abrupt dismantling of the organization violated federal law.

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman has ordered the reinstatement of thousands of terminated AmeriCorps employees across 24 U.S. states and D.C. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, had ordered steep cuts to the agency earlier this year. Additionally, the judge has mandated the administration to restore hundreds of millions of dollars in congressionally approved funding for AmeriCorps programs that were slashed by DOGE.

The ruling highlighted that the Trump administration likely violated administrative procedures by implementing sudden cancellations and terminations without providing proper notice or a comment period. While the decision does not require the administration to maintain the jobs indefinitely, it does require them to give adequate notice before making any changes.

AmeriCorps, established by Congress over two decades ago, had an operating budget of approximately $1 billion before facing the drastic cuts by DOGE. The judge’s preliminary injunction emphasized that the 24 states had shown they were likely to suffer irreparable harm from the reduction of AmeriCorps funding.

The decision was welcomed by social media users, with New York Attorney General Letitia James describing it as a victory that ensures the valuable work of over 200,000 AmeriCorps staff and volunteers can continue. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also praised the ruling, stating that it will help communities respond to natural disasters, support seniors and veterans, and maintain cleanliness across Pennsylvania.

The lawsuit, brought by attorneys general from 24 U.S. states and D.C., urged the court to reverse the cuts and terminations, citing the risk of irreparable harm and the administration’s failure to properly notify employees. The judge’s order specifically applies to the states involved in the lawsuit.

This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing battle over funding for AmeriCorps and underscores the importance of adhering to proper administrative procedures in government decision-making. It serves as a reminder of the checks and balances in place to ensure that agencies operate within the bounds of the law.