Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined a coalition of 23 states in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle AmeriCorps, the nation’s primary public service agency. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges that the administration’s actions violate constitutional and administrative laws by terminating AmeriCorps grants and reducing its workforce by 85%, effectively crippling the agency’s ability to operate
AmeriCorps, an independent federal agency, has been instrumental in addressing critical community needs across the United States. Each year, it provides opportunities for over 200,000 Americans to engage in public service, focusing on areas such as education, public safety, and environmental conservation. In Minnesota alone, more than 14,000 AmeriCorps members serve at over 2,100 locations, contributing to projects like tutoring students, building affordable housing, and promoting digital literacy.
Attorney General Ellison emphasized the importance of AmeriCorps in Minnesota, stating, “AmeriCorps members in Minnesota tutor students in reading and math, help build affordable housing, teach digital literacy to Minnesotans to improve their economic opportunities, and so much more.” He further criticized the administration’s actions, asserting, “I will not sit back and allow Donald Trump to dismantle this essential agency.”
“This President has never acted selflessly in his entire life, and so it should come as no surprise that he is attempting to shutter an independent federal agency that has provided meaningful public service opportunities and extraordinary value for millions of Americans for many, many years,” said State of Rhode Island Attorney General Neronha. “Through its volunteer and grant programs, AmeriCorps and its members have supported our most vulnerable Americans, including veterans, older adults, underprivileged children, and those dealing with unexpected suffering from illness and natural disaster. AmeriCorps values are American values. And try as they may, we won’t let them be destroyed.”
“AmeriCorps represents the best of what it means to be an American: service, sacrifice and community,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said. “Gutting this critical work doesn’t just eliminate jobs or opportunities – it tears at the fabric of civic engagement and disproportionally harms vulnerable communities. The president cannot just wipe out public programs funded by public dollars on a whim.”
“For decades, AmeriCorps members have dedicated themselves to serving others, working to improve lives and strengthen communities throughout our nation,” said New York Attorney General James. “AmeriCorps volunteers and staff represent what’s best about our country: a spirit of service and commitment to others that we need now more than ever. The Trump administration’s illegal attempt to gut AmeriCorps will hurt this program which promotes civic pride and public service.”
Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit
The lawsuit contends that the Trump administration’s termination of AmeriCorps grants and significant workforce reductions are unlawful. The coalition argues that these actions violate the Administrative Procedures Act and the U.S. Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine. According to the lawsuit, Congress established AmeriCorps and its programs, and the President does not have the authority to incapacitate the agency’s ability to administer appropriated grants or carry out its statutory duties.
Nationwide Impact
The coalition’s legal challenge includes attorneys general from states such as California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania. The lawsuit seeks to halt the administration’s actions and restore AmeriCorps’ operations and funding. If successful, the lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of national service programs and the federal government’s role in supporting community-based initiatives.
As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by policymakers, community organizations, and citizens who rely on AmeriCorps for vital services. The outcome may set a precedent for the protection and funding of public service agencies in the United States.
“AmeriCorps is the epitome of service and civic engagement, offering more than 1,100 Massachusetts residents meaningful opportunities to serve in various fields including public health, education, disaster relief and more,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “I am proud to join my colleagues in pushing back on the Trump Administration’s unlawful efforts to dismantle this service program.”
“AmeriCorps provides hope and belonging in American communities nationwide. It gives inspiration and purpose to the young people who join its ranks annually,” Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown said. “But the president thinks public programs and public dollars are his to do with what he will, snatching them up through the same scheming that federal courts have already said is likely illegal.”
“For more than 30 years, communities across the nation have benefited from the work of AmeriCorps members and volunteers. In 2024 alone, AmeriCorps members in Colorado contributed over one million hours of service across all 64 counties. In an attempt to dismantle the agency, the Trump administration and its DOGE demolition team made abrupt and drastic cuts to staff and volunteers and terminated grants. We are suing to stop this illegal dismantling of AmeriCorps and preserve the spirit of community service in our state and nation,” said Colorado Attorney General Weiser.
“In Colorado, AmeriCorps members are on the front lines: supporting wildfire mitigation, helping students succeed in school, and expanding mental health access. Their work touches every part of our state, and these cuts are taking important services away from Coloradans and our communities,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
“AmeriCorps volunteers bring out the best in America and in our communities. By abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce and volunteers, DOGE is dismantling AmeriCorps without any concern for the thousands of people who are ready and eager to serve their country — or for those whose communities are stronger because of this public service,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “In California, AmeriCorps volunteers build affordable housing, clean up our environment, and address food insecurity in communities across our state. California has repeatedly taken action to hold the Trump Administration and DOGE accountable to the law — and we stand prepared to do it again to protect AmeriCorps and the vital services it provides.”
“Service sits at the very core of who we are as Americans,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “California is suing the Trump administration to defend thousands of hardworking service members and the communities they serve. These actions by President Trump and Elon Musk not only threaten our funding – they vandalize our values. We’re going to fight to stop them.”
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