President Donald Trump has signed an executive order blocking federal funding to library-based community centers, including braille libraries, and halting the review of new grant applications — a move critics say will hit local institutions hard.
The White House defended the decision as a step toward cutting red tape and promoting what it called “American exceptionalism.” “President Trump received a clear mandate from the American people,” the Department of Labor said in a statement quoted by USA Today. “His executive order upholds that mandate by reducing the federal bureaucracy. This restructuring is a necessary step to ensure that hard-earned tax dollars are not diverted to discriminatory initiatives or divisive, anti-American programs in our cultural institutions. These changes will strengthen IMLS’ ability to serve the American people with integrity and purpose.”
As a result of the order, the Institute of Museum and Library Services — the federal agency tasked with distributing library and museum funding — has ceased operations. In fiscal year 2024, IMLS disbursed nearly $267 million in congressionally authorized grants, with a focus on underserved and rural communities.
The abrupt shutdown drew swift backlash from library advocates and Democratic lawmakers. The nonprofit group EveryLibrary described the move as “an abrupt shutdown” that will cripple state library budgets mid-year.
State library agencies in California, Connecticut and Washington confirmed the early termination of active grants. In states including Ohio, Montana and Mississippi, libraries have begun implementing emergency cost-cutting measures, suspending all non-essential spending to weather the funding shortfall.
