As covered yesterday, the Trump administration is appealing the injunction ordered by Judge John J. McConnell, Jr in one of the lawsuits related to the dismantling of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). More information has come out about this appeal.
Trump and his lawyers are seeking a stay pending the appeal in Rhode Island vs. Trump. This would allow the administration to continue doing nothing to bring back workers, services, or grants as ordered by the Judge. Although there is currently a temporary restraining ordered ordered the court in the other IMLS lawsuit, ALA vs. Sonderling, that halts further dismantling of the agency, given the history of the administration following legal precedent, seeking this stay is likely an opportunity to do more damage while the case is in court.
In addition to the request for a stay of the injunction, Acting Director of the IMLS Keith Sonderling submitted a declaration to the court. It includes 19 points about his role in the agency, as well as claims about how the agency itself has operated since his installation on March 12, 2025. Among the statements Sonderling makes:
- Confirmation that three states lost grant money from the Grants to States program (we know them to be California, Connecticut, and Washington); Sonderling claims the money has been reinstated as of May 1.
- 1,200 grants were terminated and only about 100 remained following the Executive Order requiring that the IMLS be set to only its statutory functions.
- Suggestion that allowing IMLS employees to return to work is being tied up both in time and money by the union representing those employees.
- Indication that Sonderling believes IMLS employees who were terminated were aiding those still in the office in sharing information related to litigation and to the press–including the suggestion that if IMLS employees were to return to office, they wouldn’t follow the new marching orders to be but a wing of the administration’s propaganda arm (recall “We will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism and cultivate love of country in future generations” from the press release about Sonderling’s new role).
- Claims that re-employing 57 staff members would cost the agency $900,000 a month, which they cannot afford due to the nature of the Continuing Resolution budget passed earlier this year.
- Complaints that having to reinstate grants that were already promised to institutions would be financially untenable to the tune of $78.5 million and “counter to the administration’s priorities and that cannot be recovered.”
The contempt this administration has for public institutions is palpable. Sonderling’s statements show a lack of knowledge, experience, or care for the role he’s been given. Lives and livelihoods are on the line, as is the future of an institution whose job it is to serve the whole of America–not just the parts that constitute this administration’s view of American citizens.
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The longer that Trump can kick the legal can down the road, the more opportunity he and his affiliates have in making both of these legal proceedings moot. Recall that Trump’s proposed 2026 budget would slash IMLS all together, effective October 1, 2025.
No more information has been released yet on the state of the second lawsuit, ALA vs. Sonderling. It is likely we’ll hear an update before the end of the month.