Attorney General Mayes Wins Court Order to Stop the Dismantling of AmeriCorps

PHOENIX – Attorney General Mayes today won a court order that blocks the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.

On April 29, Attorney General Mayes joined a coalition of 23 other attorneys general—joined by the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania—in challenging the administration’s plans to eliminate nearly 90 percent of AmeriCorps’ workforce, abruptly cancel its contracts, and close $400 million worth of AmeriCorps-supported programs.

Attorney General Mayes and the coalition sought a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the closure of programs in plaintiff states. Today the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted the preliminary injunction, restoring all programs that had been terminated in plaintiff states, and ordering the reinstatement of over 750 National Civilian Community Corps members.

“AmeriCorps represents the best of public service in this country—from tutoring students in rural and low-income communities to helping seniors stay in their homes. The Trump administration’s reckless attempt to dismantle it was not just wrong, it was unlawful,” said Attorney General Mayes. “This court order is a victory for Arizonans and for every community that relies on AmeriCorps members to fill vital service gaps. My office will continue to stand up for national service and the rule of law.”

Attorney General Mayes and the coalition successfully argued that the Trump administration’s attacks on AmeriCorps are illegal. By closing $400 million worth of AmeriCorps programs without explanation, the Trump administration harmed States that administer those programs as well as K–12 students, vulnerable seniors, and others who depend upon their services.

A federal judge found that the Trump administration’s actions were unlawful, because Congress explicitly required that the agency provide advance notice and an opportunity to comment on any major changes to AmeriCorps services. The Trump administration ignored this clear legal requirement, and as a consequence, the Court granted relief to the Plaintiff states.

Today’s order restores vital AmeriCorps programs in Arizona, including NAU’s Arizona Teacher Residency Program, Area Agency on Aging’s Caring Circles Program, and tutoring for low-income students. The court’s decision preliminarily stops the Trump administration from terminating these essential programs while the litigation continues.

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