Overview

• U.S. District Judge John McConnell issued a preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of a March 14 executive order targeting three federal agencies.
• The order sought to reduce the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Minority Business Development Agency, and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to minimal operations.
• The judge ruled the order violated the constitutional separation of powers and was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.
• A coalition of 21 states argued the cuts jeopardized hundreds of millions in grant funding and vital public programs, including literacy initiatives and veteran support services.
• The agencies will continue operating under current appropriations while the Trump administration considers an appeal and the lawsuit proceeds.