In New York, President Donald Trump has instated a new acting director for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a decision that aligns with an executive order aiming to dismantle specific governmental agencies deemed unnecessary. This move represents another step in Trump’s broader campaign to streamline and reduce the federal bureaucracy.
IMLS, a crucial benefactor for museums, libraries, and educational institutions, is among the agencies Trump has targeted since his inauguration. Previous entities affected by Trump’s policy decisions include the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Formed in 1996 under a Republican-majority Congress, IMLS’s main objective is to “advance, support, and empower America’s museums and libraries” using grants, research, and policy initiatives. It originated from the merger of other agencies such as the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science and the Institute of Museum Services, distributing more than $200 million annually through numerous grants.
In 2024, awards varied significantly, with the Chicago History Museum receiving $240,000, state library projects honoring Laura Bush acquiring over $1 million, and the Lorain Historical Society in Ohio, hometown of Toni Morrison, receiving close to $25,000. The spokesperson for Laura Bush declined to comment on these developments.
Keith Sonderling, recently confirmed as the deputy secretary of the Department of Labor and a former commissioner on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 2020 to 2024, is the newly appointed acting director. He succeeds Cyndee Landrum, who held the position since March 2024. Upon his appointment, Sonderling expressed his commitment to aligning IMLS’s goals with the current administration’s priorities. His focus is on enhancing efficiency and embracing patriotism, which, according to him, will spur innovation, sustain core American values, and prompt future generations’ allegiance to the nation.
The IMLS is no stranger to being targeted. Trump has previously attempted to dismantle it, though Congress retained the agency’s funding. The American Library Association strongly criticized the executive order as an undermining move against library services, termed the most cherished American institutions.
The library association has now urged its members to consider the uncertain status of current IMLS grants. Should the administration’s precedent of closing other small agencies prevail, IMLS might be shut down. Previously, the U.S. Institute of Peace, which the administration plans to close, was overtaken by the Department of Government Efficiency. During this takeover, law enforcement removed the think tank’s staff, though legal motions by former board members to halt the administration’s actions were unsuccessful.
Staff reductions and leadership removals have been swiftly executed by DOGE at agencies dealing with small businesses in Africa and Latin America. Though lawsuits were filed by past leaders, the judiciary has sanctioned the government’s actions as lawful, including minimizing staff and concluding grants at the U.S. African Development Foundation.