Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt to Dismantle Key Agencies

Providence, Rhode Island – May 6 (Reuters) – In a significant legal setback for the Trump administration, a federal judge on Tuesday issued a ruling that halts the administration’s efforts to dismantle several federal agencies responsible for funding museums and libraries, mediating labor disputes, and supporting minority-owned businesses. The decision effectively prevents the administration from firing employees and taking other actions aimed at shutting down these critical governmental bodies.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell, presiding in Providence, Rhode Island, sided with a coalition of 21 states, largely led by Democratic attorneys general, who argued that President Trump’s March executive order directing the effective elimination of these agencies was a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Judge McConnell, an appointee of former Democratic President Barack Obama, delivered a forceful rebuke of the executive order, emphasizing the fundamental separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. "This executive order… ignores the unshakable principles that Congress makes the law and appropriates funds, and the Executive implements the law Congress enacted and spends the funds Congress appropriated," McConnell wrote in his ruling.

The judge’s order specifically prohibits the implementation of Trump’s executive order at the following agencies, pending the final outcome of the legal challenge:

• The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): This agency serves as the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums.
• The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): The MBDA is dedicated to promoting the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses across the United States.
• The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS): This agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to employers and unions in a wide range of industries.

While Judge McConnell’s order prevents the administration from taking further steps to dismantle these agencies, he did not order the agencies to take any specific actions to reverse any previous actions taken in response to the executive order. The judge directed the states involved in the lawsuit to consult with the Trump administration and submit a more detailed proposed order for his consideration and approval.

President Trump’s executive order had directed that these agencies, along with four others, be reduced "to the minimum presence and function required by law." This directive was seen by many as an attempt to circumvent the authority of Congress and to drastically reduce the role of the federal government in key areas.

Notably, this is not the first legal challenge to Trump’s efforts to dismantle these agencies. A separate judge in Washington, D.C., had previously issued an order blocking the closure of the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

As of the time of this report, neither the White House nor the office of Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, who is leading the lawsuit on behalf of the states, had issued any immediate comments in response to Judge McConnell’s ruling.

President Trump’s executive order was widely understood to be part of his broader agenda to significantly shrink the size and scope of the federal government and to dramatically reduce government spending. This agenda has involved a variety of measures, including hiring freezes, program cuts, and efforts to streamline government operations.

According to court filings, the implementation of Trump’s executive order had already had a significant impact on the affected agencies. At the three agencies involved in Tuesday’s case, virtually all employees were placed on administrative leave shortly after the executive order was issued. This effectively brought the agencies’ operations to a standstill, disrupting their ability to provide critical services to the public.

The states’ lawsuit, filed in April, argued that President Trump overstepped his constitutional authority by attempting to dismantle agencies that were created by Congress and whose funding levels were determined by Congress. The states contended that the president’s actions violated the principle of separation of powers and undermined the role of Congress in the budgetary process.

Judge McConnell’s ruling on Tuesday agreed with the states’ arguments, affirming that Congress has the sole authority to create and fund federal agencies. The judge pointed out that federal law provides a specific mechanism for the president to return unneeded funding to Congress, but that President Trump failed to follow that established process.

In his ruling, Judge McConnell also highlighted the negative consequences that the Trump administration’s actions have already had on state and local communities. He noted that state libraries and museums have been forced to abandon programs and implement hiring freezes, that business development offices are curbing training and other support programs for minority-owned businesses, and that state agencies have fewer options to mediate disputes with unions.

These disruptions underscore the critical role that these federal agencies play in supporting state and local governments, as well as in promoting economic development and ensuring fair labor practices. The judge’s ruling offers a temporary reprieve for these agencies and the communities they serve, but the ultimate outcome of the legal challenge remains uncertain.