Judges Block Trump's Plan to Slash Key Agencies

A federal judge in Rhode Island has put a stop to a controversial move by the Trump Administration. The judge ordered the restoration of three key agencies that were targeted for severe cuts. These agencies support museums and libraries, minority-owned businesses, and labor dispute resolutions. The judge's decision came after a group of 21 state attorneys general sued the Trump Administration. They argued that the executive order was an attempt to shut down these agencies, which goes against federal law and the decisions made by Congress. The order, issued in March, aimed to eliminate many programs and reduce staff in these agencies. This led to significant cuts in personnel and funding. For example, the Institute of Museum and Library Services put 85 percent of its staff on leave. The Minority Business Development Agency reduced its staff from about 40 to just five. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service saw its personnel drop from 200 to fewer than 15. The judge ruled that the executive order violated the Administrative Procedures Act. He emphasized that Congress, not the President, has the power to make laws and allocate funds. The judge's decision means that the agencies must restore employees and contractors who were let go. They must also resume the processing and disbursement of already-awarded funding. The attorneys general who filed the lawsuit saw this as a victory for the public. They argued that the Trump Administration's actions were an attempt to limit opportunities for everyday people. By targeting these agencies, the Administration was trying to suppress access to knowledge, workers' rights, and small business support. The lawsuit was co-led by the attorneys general of Rhode Island, New York, and Hawaii. Attorneys general from 18 other states also joined the lawsuit. This shows a broad coalition of states standing up for these important agencies. The judge's decision is a reminder of the checks and balances in the U. S. government. It shows that the executive branch cannot unilaterally decide to dismantle agencies that Congress has established and funded.