In a significant legal setback for the Trump administration, U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman issued a ruling on June 5, 2025, blocking efforts to dismantle AmeriCorps, the federal agency responsible for national service and volunteer programs. The decision mandates the reinstatement of nearly $400 million in grants and the return of thousands of service members in 24 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia. However, the judge allowed the administration’s plan to reduce AmeriCorps staff by 85% to proceed.
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed in April by a coalition of states, arguing that the administration’s abrupt termination of grants and staff reductions violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Judge Boardman agreed, stating that the administration failed to provide the legally required notice-and-comment period before implementing significant changes to the agency’s operations. She emphasized that the lack of proper procedure caused “irreparable harm” to the states and their communities.
The Trump administration’s actions were part of a broader initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to streamline federal agencies. Critics argue that the cuts to AmeriCorps disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, rural areas, and disaster-stricken regions. In California alone, over 6,150 AmeriCorps members provided services at 1,200 sites last year, utilizing more than $133 million in federal aid.
While the court’s decision restores funding and service members in the plaintiff states, the operational challenges remain significant. With a substantial portion of AmeriCorps staff placed on administrative leave and facing termination, questions arise about the agency’s capacity to manage and implement its programs effectively. The administration has indicated plans to appeal the ruling, suggesting that the legal battle over the future of AmeriCorps is far from over.
