BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown this week announced that he has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle AmeriCorps. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday afternoon, argues that the administration’s actions are unlawful and will harm communities across the country.

The Trump administration abruptly reduced AmeriCorps’ workforce by nearly 90%, cancelled its contracts, and closed $400 million worth of programs. This decision, made during National Service Week, has jeopardized the ability of over 200,000 Americans to continue serving their communities through AmeriCorps programs, the coalition claims.

“President Trump’s unlawful dismantling of AmeriCorps is a direct attack on the communities that rely on national service to survive and thrive,” said Attorney General Brown. He emphasized the impact of the cuts in Maryland, stating, “In Maryland alone, programs that educate children, care for the elderly, and rebuild homes are being wiped out overnight.”

AmeriCorps funds and places volunteers in organizations that address critical needs, supporting national and state community service programs. Organizations rely on AmeriCorps to recruit, place, and supervise members across the country. In Maryland, these programs include public school teachers, homebuilders in Baltimore City, conservation corps members, and service providers for low-income, homeless, and elderly individuals.

The lawsuit, led by Attorney General Brown and the attorneys general of California, Colorado, and Delaware, includes 23 attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. It argues that the administration’s actions violate the Administrative Procedures Act and the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution. The coalition contends that the Trump administration has overstepped its authority by dismantling an agency established by Congress. They argue that the administration’s actions will hinder the states’ ability to support AmeriCorps programs and harm organizations that rely on these grants.

Last year, AmeriCorps provided Maryland with over $21 million and education awards, supporting 4,949 members statewide. The abrupt cuts have already impacted several programs, including the Maryland Conservation Corps and Frostburg’s ASTAR program, which were both terminated.

“I will fight this brazen abuse of power in court and do everything in my power to restore these life-changing services,” said Attorney General Brown, reflecting the sentiment of the coalition in their joint effort to preserve AmeriCorps.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Attorney General Anthony Brown on X

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