A federal court has permanently blocked the Trump administration from dismantling four federal agencies that provide essential services to millions of Americans, ruling that the executive branch overstepped its authority by acting without congressional approval.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued the injunction, citing violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, the Constitution’s Take Care Clause and separation-of-powers principles.
The agencies affected include the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH).
The court emphasized that Congress controls federal spending, while the president enforces laws, meaning major changes to federal agencies require legislative approval, The Center Square reports.
Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., in a 47-page ruling, highlighted the nationwide impact of these agencies.
IMLS funds museums and libraries, supporting education and cultural preservation and awarding $266.7 million in grants in 2024.
MBDA assists minority-owned businesses in securing contracts, funding, and market opportunities to create jobs and grow operations; in 2023, MBDA-supported firms secured over $1.2 billion in capital and $1.6 billion in contracts while creating or retaining more than 14,000 jobs.
FMCS mediates labor disputes and provides conflict-resolution services to prevent strikes that could disrupt industries and local economies.
USICH coordinates federal efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness, linking resources across 19 agencies and supporting local programs to address housing instability.
The lawsuit was filed April 4 by Democratic attorneys general from 17 states, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.
A preliminary injunction in May temporarily halted the administration’s plan, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denied the administration’s request to stay that injunction in September, paving the way for the permanent ruling.
Legal experts say the case underscores the judiciary’s role in maintaining the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
“By attempting to dismantle these agencies unilaterally, the administration sought to circumvent the will of Congress, raising fundamental separation-of-powers concerns,” McConnell wrote.
Democratic attorneys general praised the decision as protecting essential services.
James said the ruling “safeguards resources for workers, small businesses, and vulnerable populations,” while California Attorney General Rob Bonta noted courts are “reaffirming that agencies providing critical services cannot be eliminated without congressional oversight.”
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown added, “The ruling confirms the president cannot unilaterally reverse the will of elected representatives with the stroke of a pen.”
The decision preserves federal programs serving millions, ensuring ongoing support for vulnerable communities, minority entrepreneurs, cultural institutions and stable labor relations.
Experts say it may set a precedent limiting future attempts by presidents to reorganize federal agencies without legislative approval, reinforcing that major federal restructuring requires Congress’s authorization.
By halting the administration’s actions, the court guarantees that programs critical to education, business development, labor stability and homelessness prevention continue uninterrupted.
The ruling sends a clear message that unilateral executive action cannot override congressional intent, upholding constitutional checks and balances and protecting public services nationwide.
