Follow up to Donald Trump, again wants to kill off IMLS, the library agency [Trump’s first attempt to destroy IMLS in 2018] – ALA’s separate court challenge continues – Washington – On April 6, a federal court granted the Trump Administration’s request to withdraw its appeal of a federal judge’s earlier ruling that struck down the Administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the only federal agency dedicated to providing funding for the nation’s libraries. The dismissal brings to an end a lawsuit filed by the Attorneys General of 21 states in April 2025. In a decision issued on November 21, 2025, the federal District Court for the District of Rhode Island nullified the administration’s actions to dismantle IMLS and permanently barred the administration from taking further steps to eliminate the agency. ALA President Sam Helmick said, “Today’s action finally lays to rest President Trump’s executive order that threatened countless library services available to anyone who walks into one of our nation’s 115,000 public, school, academic and other libraries.

This is a triumph for everyone who values access to information, education and opportunity. Libraries can move forward with confidence that IMLS funding will be available to sustain the vital services communities rely on. However, we cannot forget that President Trump is still asking Congress to end funding for IMLS. That decision is partly in the hands of constituents. Library supporters must call on Congress to protect the future of IMLS.” …