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San Francisco Chronicle
08-05-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
California libraries spared, for now, from Trump cuts
President Donald Trump's order to slash federal funds for libraries, museums and minority business development programs has been blocked by a federal judge. California's state librarian said the cutbacks would end programs for the needy and those with physical or mental disabilities, and would impact every user in the state. In a nationwide injunction Tuesday, Chief U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island said Trump had no legal authority to eliminate congressionally approved funding for the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Trump's Justice Department argued that the president is entitled to fund programs according to his 'priorities.' But McConnell said the cutbacks 'usurped Congress' lawmaking and spending authority' that are protected in the Constitution. Over the past few months, the judge wrote, the defunding 'has disrupted numerous critical state library and museum services and programs, impeded the resolution of time-sensitive labor disputes involving State entities, and curtailed broad-ranging training, consultation, and technical assistance services and programs and facilitate the growth of minority business enterprises.' None of the agencies has offered 'any reasonable explanation' for its actions, McConnell said. The judge cited California State Librarian Greg Lucas's statement that the loss of federal funds would 'stop statewide and local public library programs immediately' and would reduce or halt programs serving seniors, veterans, English learners, and the blind and visually impaired. Lucas, in a sworn declaration to the court, said the Trump administration notified the State Library on April 2 that its $15.7 million federal grant for the next fiscal year had been terminated. 'Any pause in our federal funding … effectively ends programs that local librarians and the 23 million Californians with library cards rely on,' Lucas said. 'Without federal funding, no coordinated upskilling or continuing education exists for the approximately 17,000 employees of California who staff the State's 1,127 libraries.' Also at stake, Lucas said, were services for 'lower-income families, seniors and veterans who rely on libraries to help them navigate an increasingly digital world,' and 'Braille and other free services to the 800,000 Californians who are blind, visually impaired or dyslexic.' He told the Chronicle that on Tuesday, before the judge's order, federal officials had notified California and other states that, contrary to the previous cancellation of funds, they would receive half of the U.S. funding they had been promised for the upcoming fiscal year. That would be an improvement, Lucas said, but the state would still have "no money for all the local assistance we used to do." Nationally, McConnell said in his ruling, the library agency has reduced its staff from 77 to 12, according to its most recent report. He quoted an unidentified employee as saying the agency is not awarding new funds to states and plans to cut off most of its existing grants. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who filed the suit along with other states, welcomed the ruling and said the Trump administration 'is attempting to dismantle critical federal agencies without any consideration for the Americans that rely on the programs and services these agencies provide.' In response to the ruling, Justice Department spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said the department "has vigorously defended President Trump's executive actions, including the order to Reduce the Federal Bureaucracy, and will continue to do so.' The administration could ask a federal appeals court to lift McConnell's injunction and could later appeal to the Supreme Court, which last month allowed Trump's Department of Education to cut off more than 100 grants of funding for teacher training, aimed at programs that promoted inclusion of minorities and women. The Minority Business Development Agency, part of the Commerce Department, seeks to aid and promote businesses owned by racial and ethnic minorities and was established under a law signed by President Richard Nixon in 1969. McConnell said its 'workforce has been reduced to zero.' The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is a small, independent agency, established in 1947, that provides mediation in labor disputes and says on its website that its goal is 'fostering collaborative labor-management relationships' through training and other assistance. McConnell said the agency announced April 18 that its services were no longer available.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California among states suing Trump administration over order to dismantle library agency
California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order aimed at dismantling several federally established agencies that provide crucial funding to libraries, museums, and minority-owned businesses. The lawsuit challenges Executive Order No. 14238, signed by President Donald Trump in March, which directs agencies such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to eliminate all functions not explicitly required by law and to slash staff and services to the statutory minimum. California, 19 states suing Trump administration over massive layoffs at Department of Education 'The Trump Administration is once again violating the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law by attempting to unilaterally shut down agencies the President doesn't like,' Bonta said in a statement. 'Dismantling these agencies would have a devastating impact on the public and states across the nation.' According to the lawsuit, the order also instructs the Office of Management and Budget to withhold funding already allocated by Congress for services beyond the statutory minimum — a move the attorneys general argue is unconstitutional. 'These agencies serve as the backbone of economic and cultural advancement in our communities,' Bonta said. 'The administration's efforts to incapacitate them are not only cruel but blatantly illegal.' Through IMLS's Grants to States Program, the California State Library received $15.7 million in federal funding to support statewide library programs and staffing. However, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, over 21% of that funding has yet to be sent to California. This marks California's 12th lawsuit against the Trump administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump cuts funding for federal agencies with executive order: See list of what's affected
President Donald Trump is making more federal cuts, this time targeting an international media organization, public libraries, and homelessness reduction. An executive order signed by the president on Friday March 14 slashes funding to seven federal agencies: the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, U.S. Agency for Global Media, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, Institute of Museum and Library Services, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and Minority Business Development Agency. In protest of the order, the American Library Association released a statement that encourages the president to reconsider his "short-sighted decision." "By eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Trump administration's executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer," the statement reads, citing examples of summer reading programs for kids, braille books for readers with visual impairments and small business support for entrepreneurs. Here's what to know about each of the agencies. As outlined by the executive order, Trump selected these seven agencies as he determined them "unnecessary." A White House Fact Sheet outlines that the Department of Government Efficiency, the federal advisory agency led by billionaire Elon Musk, identified the agencies worth slashing. "Cutting these governmental entities will save taxpayer dollars, reduce unnecessary government spending, and streamline government priorities," the fact sheet states. The Trump administration did not immediately respond for comment about the order when contacted by USA TODAY on Saturday. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides conflict management services for enhancing labor-management relationships. The independent federal agency provides training, mediation, facilitation, dispute systems design and other resolution services to federal agencies, according to its website. An example of the agency's work includes, if an agency and union have negotiated over a particular subject and have been able to reach a mutual decision, the parties may seek assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, according to the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority. The Mediation and Conciliation Service was established in 1947. The U.S. Agency for Global Media oversees all U.S. non-military, international broadcasting. The agency operates six networks: Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks and Open Technology Fund. Across these six networks, the agency provides news in 64 languages to more than 427 million people, according to its website. "President Trump is delivering on his promise to make our government more efficient. American taxpayers should not be funding anti-American propaganda in the name of journalism," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told USA TODAY about the cut. The Agency for Global Media was established in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. At the time, the agency was known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, according to the agency's website. The agency's name was changed in 2018. The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, commonly known as just the Wilson Center, conducts research and provides nonpartisan counsel on global affairs to policymakers internationally. The center operates more than 20 programs that aim to bridge the gap between the U.S. and other countries and specialize in various topics to address global issues. Countless events are also held by the Wilson Center throughout the year to educate citizens about global history and provide spaces for communal discussion. The Wilson Center was established in 1968 to honor President Woodrow Wilson. Through grants, research and policy development, the Institute of Museum and Library Services supports museums, libraries, archives and other similar organizations through the United States. During the 2024 fiscal year, the institute was budgeted more than $294 million, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services' fiscal year budget for 2023-2025. In 2024, the institute awarded $266.7 million to museums, libraries and archives throughout the country. The Institute of Museum and Library Services was established in 1996. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness coordinates a federal response to homelessness, working to create partnerships with government agencies and in the private sector, according to the agency's website. The council works with 19 federal organizations in an effort to end homelessness, including the Department of Education, Department of Defense, Department of Transportation and Department of Labor. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness was established in 1987 by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Part of the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund promotes economic revitalization and community development in underserved communities throughout the country. For example, the fund's Community Development Financial Institutions Program provides loans, investments, financial services and technical assistance to institutions in these communities. The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund was established in 1994 under the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act. The Minority Business Development Agency aims to promote growth among Minority Business Enterprises, or MBEs, by providing technical assistance programs. An MBE is a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned or managed by a qualifying minority group. To be qualified, a person must be a U.S. resident who is Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native America, according to the National Minority Supplier Development Council. During the 2023 fiscal year, the Minority Business Development Agency facilitated $1.5 billion worth of capital to MBEs and helped create 19,000 jobs, according to the agency's website. The Minority Business Development Agency was founded in 1969 when President Richard Nixon established the Office of Minority Business Enterprise. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump executive order slashes funding for 7 federal agencies
USA Today
15-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Trump cuts funding for federal agencies with executive order: See list of what's affected
Trump cuts funding for federal agencies with executive order: See list of what's affected The order states that these agencies were selected because President Trump deemed them as "unnecessary." Show Caption Hide Caption Could President Trump's tariffs spur a recession? An economist warns consumers about a potential economic downturn with President Donald Trump's trade war pressing on. President Donald Trump is making more federal cuts, this time targeting an international media organization, public libraries and homelessness reduction. An executive order signed by the president on Friday March 14 slashes funding to seven federal agencies: the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, U.S. Agency for Global Media, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, Institute of Museum and Library Services, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and Minority Business Development Agency. In protest of the order, the American Library Association released a statement that encourages the president to reconsider his "short-sighted decision." "By eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Trump administration's executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer," the statement reads, citing examples of summer reading programs for kids, braille books for readers with visual impairments and small business support for entrepreneurs. Here's what to know about each of the agencies. Why is Trump eliminating these agencies? As outlined by the executive order, Trump selected these seven agencies as he determined them "unnecessary." The Trump administration did not immediately respond for comment about the order when contacted by USA TODAY on Saturday. What is the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service? The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides conflict management services for enhancing labor-management relationships. The independent federal agency provides training, mediation, facilitation, dispute systems design and other resolution services to federal agencies, according to its website. An example of the agency's work includes, if an agency and union have negotiated over a particular subject and have been able to reach a mutual decision, the parties may seek assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, according to the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority. The Mediation and Conciliation Service was established in 1947. What is the US Agency for Global Media? The U.S. Agency for Global Media oversees all U.S. non-military, international broadcasting. The agency operates six networks: Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks and Open Technology Fund. Across these six networks, the agency provides news in 64 languages to more than 427 million people, according to its website. "President Trump is delivering on his promise to make our government more efficient. American taxpayers should not be funding anti-American propaganda in the name of journalism," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told USA TODAY about the cut. The Agency for Global Media was established in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. At the time, the agency was known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, according to the agency's website. The agency's name was changed in 2018. What is the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution? The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, commonly known as just the Wilson Center, conducts research and provides nonpartisan counsel on global affairs to policymakers internationally. The center operates more than 20 programs that aim to bridge the gap between the U.S. and other countries and specialize in various topics to address global issues. Countless events are also held by the Wilson Center throughout the year to educate citizens about global history and provide spaces for communal discussion. The Wilson Center was established in 1968 to honor President Woodrow Wilson. What is the Institute of Museum and Library Services? Through grants, research and policy development, the Institute of Museum and Library Services supports museums, libraries, archives and other similar organizations through the United States. During the 2024 fiscal year, the institute was budgeted more than $294 million, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services' fiscal year budget for 2023-2025. In 2024, the institute awarded $266.7 million to museums, libraries and archives throughout the country. The Institute of Museum and Library Services was established in 1996. What is the US Interagency Council on Homelessness? The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness coordinates a federal response to homelessness, working to create partnerships with government agencies and in the private sector, according to the agency's website. The council works with 19 federal organizations in an effort to end homelessness, including the Department of Education, Department of Defense, Department of Transportation and Department of Labor. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness was established in 1987 by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. What is the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund? Part of the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund promotes economic revitalization and community development in underserved communities throughout the country. For example, the fund's Community Development Financial Institutions Program provides loans, investments, financial services and technical assistance to institutions in these communities. The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund was established in 1994 under the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act. What is the Minority Business Development Agency? The Minority Business Development Agency aims to promote growth among Minority Business Enterprises, or MBEs, by providing technical assistance programs. An MBE is a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned or managed by a qualifying minority group. To be qualified, a person must be a U.S. resident who is Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native America, according to the National Minority Supplier Development Council. During the 2023 fiscal year, the Minority Business Development Agency facilitated $1.5 billion worth of capital to MBEs and helped create 19,000 jobs, according to the agency's website. The Minority Business Development Agency was founded in 1969 when President Richard Nixon established the Office of Minority Business Enterprise. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Fox News
15-03-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Trump undoes stack of 'harmful' Biden executive orders, shrinks multiple agencies
President Donald Trump announced Friday the rollback of 19 "harmful" Biden-era executive orders, including some related to gender ideology and "radical" labor policies. Trump also reduced the functions of a number of government agencies as part of widespread cost-cutting measures. Some of the rescinded Biden executive orders include eliminating the Defense Production Act to push the "Green New Scam," including mandates for electric heat pumps and solar panels, and an order that elevated alleged radical gender ideology in U.S. diplomacy and foreign aid, Trump said. Another Biden order that prioritized union-driven policies was rescinded, and Trump terminated proclamations that declared nearly a million acres for new national monuments, which the Trump administration said shielded large amounts of land from economic development and energy production. Since taking office, Trump has rescinded more executive orders than the total number of orders signed by Biden during the first year of his presidency, a White House fact sheet states. "President Trump is committed to continuing the review and repeal of harmful Biden administration policies to usher in a new golden age for America," the fact sheet said. In addition, Trump pared down the functions of multiple agencies as he continues to downsize the federal government. A White House official told Fox News Trump's actions eliminate non-statutory functions and reduce the statutory functions of unnecessary governmental entities to what is required by law. The entities affected include the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, United States Agency for Global Media, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Institute of Museum and Library Services, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, Minority Business Development Agency and Arctic Research Commission. "Cutting these governmental entities will save taxpayer dollars, reduce unnecessary government spending and streamline government priorities," the White House said. "Through these actions, President Trump is keeping his promise to restore efficiency and accountability in the federal government." The moves are part of the Trump administration's effort to scale down the size of government through the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. The Elon Musk-led group has overseen the cancellation of billions of dollars in government contracts and grants and layoffs within multiple agencies.
