Trump’s Attempt to Dismantle AmeriCorps Halted as Oregon and Coalition of States Win in Court

A preliminary injunction was granted yesterday in the AmeriCorps lawsuit, filed by a coalition of attorneys general, including Oregon’s Dan Rayfield, which restores all terminated programs in the plaintiff states and reinstates over 750 National Civilian Community Corps members, thereby defying the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the agency.

Americorps Lawsuit: Injunction Granted

Oregon joined a lawsuit to stop Trump’s order shutting down AmeriCorps Volunteer Service on April 29 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, challenging the administration’s plans to eliminate nearly 90 percent of AmeriCorps’ workforce, abruptly cancel its contracts, and close $400 million worth of AmeriCorps-supported programs. AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.

In the lawsuit, the coalition successfully argued that the Trump administration’s attacks on AmeriCorps —closing $400 million worth of AmeriCorps programs without explanation —are illegal.

The closure would harm States that administer those programs as well as K–12 students, vulnerable seniors, and others who depend on AmeriCorps services.

Yesterday, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction, halting the executive Order (EO) that would have gutted programs that support seniors, students, and struggling communities across Oregon and the nation.

The judge found that because Congress explicitly required the agency to provide advance notice and an opportunity to comment on any major changes to AmeriCorps services, the Trump administration’s actions were unlawful. The Trump administration ignored this clear legal requirement.

Rayfield said, “This ruling is a victory for service, community, and common sense.”