New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has filed a lawsuit in conjunction with a coalition of 23 attorneys general and two states against the Trump Administration for its actions regarding AmeriCorps. This federal agency engages Americans in service to address educational, public safety, and environmental needs. AmeriCorps provides service opportunities to over 200,000 individuals annually.
The legal action challenges the Trump Administration's decision to place 85% of AmeriCorps' paid staff on leave and engage in significant layoffs, disrupting the agency's programs, operations, and funding. As part of this move, more than $400 million worth of AmeriCorps programs nationwide have been cut.
Attorney General Platkin stated, "Once again, the Trump Administration is unlawfully dismantling a key federal agency and harming our state in the process. Gutting AmeriCorps is illegal and reckless, and it will deprive our communities in New Jersey of key programs that educate students with special needs, support individuals in addiction recovery, and help our state rebuild after national disasters. AmeriCorps volunteers serve our communities every single day, and we will stand up for the critical programs AmeriCorps supports. We will fight this senseless move and look forward to seeing the Trump Administration in court."
AmeriCorps has been instrumental in a variety of community service programs, including connecting veterans to services, combating the opioid crisis, aiding older adults, rebuilding communities, and boosting the well-being of millions. In New Jersey specifically, AmeriCorps supports addiction recovery programs, English education programs, mentoring for special needs students, urban environmental programs, and disaster relief initiatives.
An executive order from February had directed federal agencies to reduce workforce size, leading to AmeriCorps placing staff on administrative leave with termination notices effective June 24, 2025. Over $6 million in AmeriCorps grants for New Jersey have already been terminated.
The lawsuit claims that the Trump Administration's actions are both unlawful and violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the separation of powers as defined in the U.S. Constitution. It further asserts that only Congress can create and administer programs under AmeriCorps, limiting presidential power to dismantle such agency functions.
Attorney General Platkin brings this case alongside attorneys general from various states and regions including Maryland, Delaware, California, Colorado, and others, alongside the District of Columbia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. A copy of the complaint is available for review.
