A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from taking steps to shut down federal agencies that fund museums and libraries, mediate labor disputes and support minority-owned businesses.
The judge’s ruling comes in response to Trump’s March executive order, which directed the effective elimination of certain federal agencies, prompting concerns about the violation of the U.S. Constitution.
The big picture: The ruling specifically affects the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, with the judge halting the implementation of Trump’s order pending the outcome of the case.
- The judge did not specify any particular actions for the agencies but instructed the states to consult with the Trump administration and submit a more detailed order for approval.
Driving the news: Trump’s executive order aimed to reduce the agencies “to the minimum presence and function required by law” as part of a broader effort to shrink the federal government and cut spending.
- The lawsuit, led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, argues that since Congress created the agencies and determined their funding levels, Trump lacked the authority to halt their work.
- The judge agreed with the states, pointing out that federal law provides a mechanism for the president to return unneeded funding to Congress, which Trump failed to follow.
