By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined 23 attorneys general and two states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s move to dismantle AmeriCorps, according to a statement released by Platkin’s office.
The lawsuit argues that placing 85% of AmeriCorps' staff on leave and canceling more than $400 million in program funding effectively shuts down the national service agency.
Attorney General Platkin called the cuts “illegal and reckless,” warning they would strip New Jersey communities of vital programs supporting education, addiction recovery, disaster relief, and more.
AmeriCorps provides funding to nonprofits nationwide and offers service opportunities to over 200,000 Americans each year.
In New Jersey, the agency has backed addiction recovery programs, English classes for adults, mentorship for special needs students, and environmental efforts in urban areas.
Following a February executive order directing federal workforce reductions, AmeriCorps began mass layoffs and notified staff that terminations would take effect by June 24, 2025.
New Jersey officials say the state also lost over $6 million in AmeriCorps grants.
The lawsuit claims the administration violated both the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution, arguing that only Congress has the authority to dismantle AmeriCorps or withhold its funding. States including Maryland, California, New York, and Pennsylvania are among those joining New Jersey in the legal action.