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Trump’s Cruel Shutdown of AmeriCorps Targets Poor, Shields Wealthy

May 28, 2025

The Trump administration is dismantling AmeriCorps, eliminating $400 million in grants and terminating programs that support over 32,000 service members and volunteers nationwide. Final staff layoffs are scheduled for June 24, coinciding with cuts to other social programs like Medicaid and SNAP. This action has prompted a federal lawsuit filed in Maryland by numerous affected organizations, including Elev8 Baltimore and Red Cloud Indian School, alleging violations of federal law and the Constitution.

Who is affected

  • Low-income Americans who rely on AmeriCorps community programs
  • Over 32,000 service members and volunteers
  • 1,031 organizations that lost funding
  • National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members who lost housing
  • Vulnerable populations served by AmeriCorps programs
  • Rural and underserved communities
  • Native American students in South Dakota
  • Low-income students in Baltimore
  • Disconnected youth in Maine
  • Public housing residents in Buffalo
  • AmeriCorps staff facing layoffs
  • Students helped by college attainment programs

What action is being taken

  • The Trump administration is eliminating $400 million in AmeriCorps grants
  • Final layoffs for the agency's staff are being implemented for June 24
  • A federal lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for Maryland
  • Rep. Chrissy Houlahan is leading bipartisan efforts in Congress to block the dismantling
  • 85% of AmeriCorps staff have been placed on administrative leave

Why it matters

  • The cuts affect critical community services for vulnerable populations
  • The termination disproportionately impacts rural and underserved communities
  • Organizations providing essential services like Lakota language immersion, tutoring, digital literacy, and college access have lost funding
  • The lawsuit alleges the administration violated federal law by acting without congressional approval
  • The dismantling affects programs that provide disaster relief, food distribution, and support for vulnerable populations
  • AmeriCorps provides purpose, work experience, and service opportunities

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer