Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in expanding a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action challenges the administration's decision to withhold millions in funding from AmeriCorps, a federal agency that supports community service programs across the United States.

In June, Nessel and her colleagues secured a court order reinstating hundreds of AmeriCorps programs that had been unlawfully canceled. However, despite this ruling, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is accused of withholding funds meant for these service programs.

"The Trump Administration cannot bend the rule of law to circumvent court orders they’ve already lost," said Nessel. She emphasized the importance of ensuring communities continue to benefit from AmeriCorps services.

AmeriCorps engages over 200,000 Americans annually in community service projects. The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), which received $18 million in grants from AmeriCorps in 2024, supports thousands of volunteers throughout Michigan. These volunteers have made significant contributions, such as improving public lands and providing health services.

The amended lawsuit claims OMB has unlawfully withheld more than $38 million intended for specific AmeriCorps programs across several states. This includes funds for Senior Companion Programs and Foster Grandparent Programs that provide mentorship and support to low-income seniors and children.

Nessel's coalition argues that the Trump administration's actions violate both the Administrative Procedures Act and constitutional separation of powers. They assert that Congress created AmeriCorps and appropriated its funding, thus neither OMB nor AmeriCorps can legally withhold these funds.

Joining Nessel in this legal challenge are attorneys general from numerous states including Arizona, California, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin among others.