Two dozen US states sue over AmeriCorps cuts, citing legal violations

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 08:51

Widespread layoffs and slashed funding at AmeriCorps spark backlash, as nearly two dozen states accuse the White House of overstepping its legal bounds.

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Hundreds of new volunteers are sworn in for duty at a ceremony, Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, marking the 20th anniversary of the AmeriCorps national service program. (AP)

Around two dozen US states have filed a lawsuit against the White House over extensive AmeriCorps cuts, arguing that the move violates federal law and the constitutional separation of powers, CBS News reported.

The lawsuit claims that 85% of AmeriCorps employees have already been placed on administrative leave in advance of anticipated job reductions. The states argue that these actions overstep executive authority, as the AmeriCorps agency was established and funded by Congress.

According to the suit, the White House's decision to proceed with the cuts undermines congressional authority and breaches federal statutes governing budgetary powers.

The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a division within AmeriCorps that deploys volunteers to support infrastructure, education, and emergency response projects, has also seen funding reductions, the report said.

The lawsuit underscores growing concern that these cuts will disrupt essential community service programs across the country, particularly in underserved areas that rely on federal volunteer initiatives.

White House justifies reductions citing accountability

A spokesperson for the Trump administration defended the decision, referencing longstanding issues with agency oversight.

"Americorps has failed eight consecutive audits and identified over $45 million in improper payments in 2024 alone. President Trump has the legal right to restore accountability to the entire Executive Branch," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly was quoted as saying.

This justification is part of a broader administrative push to tighten spending and address mismanagement across federal agencies.

Democratic members of the House Appropriations Committee have previously criticized the administration's approach, noting that the Trump administration has already enacted approximately $430 billion in federal funding cuts.

Lawmakers argue that the latest reductions to AmeriCorps could have a disproportionate impact on national service programs and the communities they support.

The wider context

Since taking office, Trump has initiated extensive federal budget cuts across a wide range of government programs. His administration prioritized reducing what it described as government waste, targeting agencies and initiatives it deemed inefficient or unnecessary. These cuts affected environmental protections, public health funding, foreign aid, and education, among other sectors. The stated aim was to streamline federal operations and reallocate resources to national defense and immigration enforcement.

One of the most contentious aspects of Trump's budget policy was the reduction of funding for social and community-based programs. Initiatives like AmeriCorps, Meals on Wheels, and various housing and urban development grants faced significant cutbacks. Critics argued that these reductions disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, while supporters claimed they were necessary for fiscal responsibility. Over his term, the Trump administration proposed cutting hundreds of billions in domestic spending, triggering pushback from state governments, advocacy groups, and members of Congress concerned about long-term social and economic impacts.