Federal Judge Denies ALAs Request to Halt IMLS Dismantling, Case Directed to Court of Federal Claims

WASHINGTON — A federal judge has denied a request by the American Library Association to halt the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that recent court decisions suggest his court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter, directing the case to the Court of Federal Claims instead.

Judge Leon had previously blocked the administration’s actions, indicating that plaintiffs were likely to prove Trump lacked the legal authority to shutter the IMLS unilaterally. However, his latest ruling cites the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the administration to cut teacher-training funds despite a lower court order, suggesting similar cases should be heard in the Court of Federal Claims.

The American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit after President Donald Trump signed an executive order labeling the IMLS and other federal agencies as “unnecessary.” Following the order, the IMLS’s acting director placed staff on administrative leave, sent termination notices, canceled grants and contracts, and dismissed the National Museum and Library Services Board.

The IMLS, with approximately 75 employees, issued over $266 million in grants last year. A separate Rhode Island judge’s order, prohibiting the shutdown of the IMLS in a case brought by several states, remains in effect, though the administration is appealing this decision.