A federal judge has halted President Donald Trump’s administration from terminating workers and closing down federal agencies that support museums, libraries, minority-owned businesses, and labor dispute mediation. U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island ruled in favor of 21 states, stating that Trump’s executive order violated the Constitution by circumventing Congress’s authority to make laws and allocate funds. The judge’s decision temporarily blocks the shutdown of agencies such as the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, Minority Business Development Agency, and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. McConnell directed the states to collaborate with the administration and submit a detailed order for his approval. Trump’s order aimed to minimize the presence and functions of these agencies, as part of his plan to reduce the size of the federal government and cut spending. The lawsuit, led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, argues that Trump lacked the authority to stop the agencies’ work since Congress established them and determined their funding. McConnell agreed, noting that Trump failed to follow the proper procedure for returning unneeded funds to Congress. This decision comes as state programs, training initiatives, and dispute resolution capabilities are hindered due to the uncertainty caused by the executive order.
