Federal judge blocks AmeriCorps cuts, restores funds and staff in 24 states after DOGE-led reductions.

Federal Court Rules Trump Administration Violated Law

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to reverse its sweeping cuts to AmeriCorps, a Clinton-era agency dismantled earlier this year by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The ruling mandates the reinstatement of hundreds of millions in funding and the reemployment of thousands of staff members across 24 states and the District of Columbia.

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman ruled that the administration’s actions likely violated administrative law by failing to provide a notice-and-comment period before executing mass layoffs and terminating grant programs. Her decision grants a preliminary injunction, halting the reductions and restoring AmeriCorps operations within the states that joined the lawsuit.

“Any harm the defendants might face if the agency actions are enjoined pales in comparison to the concrete harms that the States and the communities served by AmeriCorps programs have suffered and will continue to suffer,” Judge Boardman wrote in her opinion.

AmeriCorps Dismantled Under DOGE’s Cost-Cutting Campaign

AmeriCorps, which had a $1 billion budget prior to the cuts, found itself targeted earlier this year by DOGE—the Trump administration’s agency for eliminating wasteful government spending. Under DOGE’s directive, approximately 85% of AmeriCorps staff were placed on leave, and the agency faced a $400 million reduction in grants and funding. Thousands of employees received termination notices without formal notice periods.

The attorneys general of 24 Democratic-led states, along with the District of Columbia, filed suit against the administration, alleging the shutdown was executed unlawfully. Plaintiffs argued that the administration exceeded its legal authority by effectively dismantling a congressionally created agency without due process or proper statutory procedure.

They further contended that the mass terminations and funding withdrawals would result in irreparable harm to local communities and public service programs, including those focused on disaster relief, senior and veteran support, and environmental maintenance.

Ruling Applies Only to Participating States

While the court’s order represents a significant victory for the plaintiffs, Judge Boardman clarified that the injunction applies only to the states involved in the lawsuit. The administration must now reinstate terminated staff and resume program funding in those jurisdictions.

New York Attorney General Letitia James praised the ruling on social media, stating, “Over 200,000 AmeriCorps staff and volunteers work hard every day to care for our communities. This ruling ensures their valuable work can continue.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that restored AmeriCorps funding would support disaster response, veteran services, and trail maintenance across his state.

The injunction does not prevent the Trump administration from pursuing future changes to AmeriCorps, but it does require that any such actions follow proper legal procedures. As litigation continues, the court’s decision marks a major setback for the administration’s cost-cutting agenda and a win for those advocating for civic service programs across the country.