Jennings Wins Major Court Battle to Protect Libraries, Museums, Workers, and Minority-Owned Businesses

Attorney General Kathy Jennings has secured a major legal victory that protects key federal agencies serving libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses.

On behalf of Delaware, AG Jennings joined 20 other attorneys general in a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop an Executive Order that would have dismantled three important federal agencies:

• The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

• The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

• The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)

On [insert date], the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction—temporarily blocking the administration’s attempt to eliminate these agencies while the case moves forward.

What These Agencies Do

1. IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services)
Supports museums and libraries across the U.S. by providing grant funding, conducting research, and helping shape national policy. This includes critical support to local libraries and community cultural centers.

2. MBDA (Minority Business Development Agency)
Works to grow and support minority-owned businesses through federal funding programs and economic development support.

3. FMCS (Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service)
Promotes peaceful and fair resolutions to labor disputes, helping protect workers’ rights and ensure stability in workplaces.

Why This Case Matters

If the Executive Order had gone into effect, it would have dismantled these agencies—hurting communities nationwide and especially in Delaware. This includes:

• Reduced funding and support for local libraries and museums

• Less access to resources for minority-owned small businesses

• Weakened protections for workers and union negotiations

The court agreed that the states have a strong case. It found that the Trump administration’s Executive Order likely violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution by trying to eliminate agencies created and funded by Congress without proper legal authority.

AG Jennings Responds

Attorney General Kathy Jennings strongly criticized the administration’s efforts:

“The thousands of museums and libraries across our country generate a value that is greater than any line item on a budget. They stoke joy, curiosity, and creativity. Regrettably, this administration has continuously decided to try and stamp those things out, all while undermining essential support systems for workers and minority entrepreneurs.

With this court order, we’ve sent a clear message: we won’t sit by while you try to dismantle America’s most cherished institutions. We will fight—and we will win.”

Who Joined the Lawsuit?

Alongside Delaware, 20 other states participated in the lawsuit:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

What’s Next?

The preliminary injunction means the Executive Order is blocked for now, and the agencies will continue to operate while the legal challenge proceeds. It’s a major step toward preserving vital federal services that touch nearly every community in America.

Source: https://news.delaware.gov/