Overview
- A coalition of Democratic-led states and D.C. filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's drastic cuts to AmeriCorps, citing constitutional violations.
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reduced AmeriCorps' workforce by 85% and terminated nearly $400 million in grants, affecting over 1,000 programs nationwide.
- States argue the cuts violate the separation of powers, as Congress created and funds AmeriCorps, and claim the actions render the agency incapable of fulfilling its mission.
- The White House defends the cuts, citing over $40 million in improper payments and consecutive audit failures at AmeriCorps as justification for the cost-cutting measures.
- AmeriCorps, which deploys over 200,000 volunteers annually for disaster relief, education, and public health, has seen bipartisan criticism over the impact of these reductions on essential community services.