The Trump administration announced cuts of millions in DEI grants from IMLS as part of its broader effort to eliminate funding aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion, highlighting an ongoing political push against progressive educational policies.

On April 1, 2025, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the largest federal funding source for museums and libraries, was targeted by an executive order from President Trump. The order, aimed at reducing bureaucracy and cutting what the administration labeled as ‘discriminatory DEI initiatives’, threatens massive staffing and budget cuts for the agency.

An executive order by President Trump mandated a drastic downsizing of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, placing its approximately 75 staff on administrative leave and appointing Trump’s Deputy Labor Secretary as acting director. The move, aimed at reducing what the administration described as wasteful spending and alleged discriminatory DEI initiatives, highlights the politicized attack on a federal agency known for supporting cultural enrichment across the U.S.

Following his recent swearing-in, Keith Sonderling – who concurrently serves as the acting director of IMLS and deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor – stated he would ‘revitalize’ the agency while marching in lockstep with the Trump administration. This announcement comes as the agency faces potential funding cuts and looming layoffs, prompting concern from library, museum, and labor advocates.

IMLS named Keith Sonderling as its new acting director on March 20, 2025. Sonderling, a former deputy secretary of the Department of Labor and ex-commissioner at the EEOC, pledged to steer the agency in lockstep with the Trump administration. His statement emphasizing patriotism, American exceptionalism, and a restoration of 'core values' marks a shift toward a politically charged direction that aligns with authoritarian rhetoric.

On March 20, teams from DOGE—an arm of budget-cutting efforts led by Elon Musk under the Trump administration—terminated several grants administered by IMLS and placed staff on leave, disrupting critical library services. This action, imposed from above, has significant implications for public access to library resources and raises concerns about worker protections.

On March 14, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order calling for the elimination of IMLS along with six other agencies. IMLS, which plays a critical role in supporting library services across the nation through federal funding, is now facing the risk of being dismantled, a move that could undermine democratic cultural and educational infrastructure.