Press Release  AG Campbell Challenges Trump Administration’s Dismantling of AmeriCorps

Boston — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and two governors in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s termination of AmeriCorps grants and the dismantling of the agency though an 85% reduction of its workforce, effectively ending the agency’s ability to continue administering the programs, operations, and funding that make its important work possible.  

AmeriCorps is an independent federal agency tasked with engaging Americans in meaningful community-based service that directly address the country’s educational, public safety, and environmental needs. Every year, the agency provides opportunities for more than 200,000 Americans to serve their communities and awards grants to local and national organizations and agencies to address critical community needs. AmeriCorps members and volunteers have connected veterans to essential services, fought the opioid epidemic, helped older adults age with dignity, rebuilt communities after disasters, and improved the physical and mental well-being of millions of Americans. 

“AmeriCorps is the epitome of service and civic engagement, offering more than 1,100 Massachusetts residents meaningful opportunities to serve in various fields including public health, education, disaster relief and more,” said AG Campbell. “I am proud to join my colleagues in pushing back on the Trump Administration’s unlawful efforts to dismantle this service program.” 

In early February, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order directing every federal agency to plan to reduce the size of its workforce and prepare to initiate large-scale reductions in force. Since then, AmeriCorps has placed at least 85% of its workforce on administrative leave immediately and notified employees that they would be terminated effective June 24, 2025.  

Massachusetts has received notice from the federal government of termination of its AmeriCorps grant programs, which support volunteer and service efforts. In fiscal year 2024, Massachusetts’ State Service Commission, which monitors and oversees programs supported by AmeriCorps grants, was awarded more than $23 million in AmeriCorps funding to support programs across the state. The AmeriCorps programs in Massachusetts include programs for the City of Boston and the City of Lawrence, as well as a program at Framingham State University that provides residency for those looking to begin their careers in teaching and supports teachers-in-training who commit to teaching in Framingham Public Schools for a minimum of three years. 

In their complaint, AG Campbell and the coalition argue that by abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce, the Trump Administration is effectively shuttering the national volunteer agency and ending states’ abilities to support AmeriCorps programs within their borders. 

The coalition establishes that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its gutting of AmeriCorps, violating both the Administrative Procedures Act and the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution. Congress has created AmeriCorps and the programs it administers, and the President cannot incapacitate the agency’s ability to administer appropriated grants or carry out statutorily assigned duties. Further, by dismantling AmeriCorps and its programs, which are creatures of Congress, the Trump Administration has violated the Executive Branch’s obligation to take care that the law is faithfully executed.  

Joining AG Campbell in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Maryland, Delaware, California, Colorado, Arizona, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. 

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