Education Leaders Demand Answers on Trump’s Attempts to Dismantle Museum and Library Services

April 7, 2025 Press Release As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats WASHINGTON – House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Ranking Member Alma S. Adams (NC-12) are demanding answers from Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) Acting Chair Keith Sonderling following President Trump’s executive order to unilaterally eliminate the agency. “We write seeking document and information from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) about its response to recent actions by President Trump dismantle the agency, actions which threaten the ability of libraries and museums across the country to serve their communities,” wrote the Members . “Libraries provide not only books and reference materials but serve as a natural hub for a multitude of community services including early and adult literacy programs, workforce development opportunities, broadband and technology access, and resources for individuals with disabilities. The Members continued , “IMLS has a legal responsibility to continue administering all grants authorized and appropriated by Congress, and we urge you to take this responsibility seriously, and others mandated under MLSA.” On Friday, March 14, President Trump issued Executive Order 14238 (EO), “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.” This EO purportedly eliminated IMLS within the bounds of the law.  However, subsequent actions taken by IMLS have been inconsistent with the EO. As the sole federal agency supporting museum and library services, the letter follows reports of IMLS grants canceled without cause and the subsequent quiet placement of employees on administrative leave with device access revoked. To read the full letter, click here . ### Issues : Committee on Education and Workforce Education