Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle Federal Support for Museums and Libraries

An executive order targets the Institute of Museum and Library Services, threatening critical funding for cultural and educational institutions across the U.S.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 14, 2025, calling for the dismantling of seven federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The IMLS, established in 1996, is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums and libraries through grants, research, and policy initiatives.
In 2024, the IMLS distributed $266.7 million in funding, supporting programs ranging from early childhood education to digital preservation and rural innovation projects.
Advocates warn that dismantling the IMLS would disproportionately harm small and rural institutions, which rely heavily on its funding to sustain operations and community programs.
The agency cannot be fully eliminated without congressional action, but its operations and funding remain at risk, prompting legal and advocacy efforts to protect its role in the cultural and educational ecosystem.