On April 29, 2025, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings led a coalition of 23 attorneys general plus the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in filing suit opposing President Trump’s unlawful attempts to dismantle AmeriCorps. Without congressional permission or any notice, the administration slashed the agency’s workforce by 90%, abruptly cancelled contracts , and eliminated $400 million of AmeriCorps-supported programs. The agency not only creates opportunities for more than 200,000 Americans every year to engage in meaningful public service, but it also addresses critical community needs. Members and volunteers serve as public school teachers, build and rehabilitate housing, train at-risk citizens about opioid abuse and risk reduction, offer nursing support, and provide assistance to homeless and elderly populations, among other services.

The suit argued that the Trump administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act by its arbitrary and capricious actions in firing staff and ending programs without analysis or notice. The administration also violated the constitutional separation of powers by refusing to execute funding decisions made by Congress. Finally, Trump’s actions violated the statute establishing AmeriCorps, which requires rulemaking to change program requirements or policy.

The district court agreed in part with the state’s claims, ruling on June 5 that the administration violated the Administrative Procedures Act and the AmeriCorps enabling statute when it cut service programs suddenly without notice. The court issued a preliminary injunction and ordered the restoration of AmeriCorps programs in plaintiff states.

President Trump’s unlawful dismantling of AmeriCorps is a direct attack on the communities that rely on national service to survive and thrive. These reckless cuts will rip vital support away from our veterans, seniors, students, and families recovering from disaster. In Maryland alone, programs that educate children, care for the elderly, and rebuild homes are being wiped out overnight. I will fight this brazen abuse of power in court and do everything in my power to restore these life-changing services. Attorney General Anthony Brown