The Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency, is under the scrutiny of the presidential administration. On Mar. 14th, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that mandated seven government agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), be eliminated to the extent that is feasible under American law. This executive order is part of a broader mission to significantly minimize the federal bureaucracy and budget.

Established in 1996, the IMLS is responsible for the funding of museums, libraries, and archives through federal grants. 

On Mar. 20, IMLS Director Cyndee Landrum was replaced with Keith E. Sonderling, who is currently serving as the agency’s Acting Director. Sonderling is also the current deputy secretary of labor. Moreover, all of IMLS’s staff members were put on leave for up to 90 days, under Department of Government Efficiency direction.

IMLS responded to this executive order in a letter from Mar. 24 to the new Acting Head Sonderling, affirming that despite the executive order, several grant programs that the IMLS is responsible for, such as Museum Services Activities and Support for Digital Literacy and Emerging Technologies grants, are deemed mandatory financial obligations by Congressional law. However, IMLS expressed willingness to otherwise cooperate with Sonderling under the new executive mandate. “We remain fully committed to fulfilling our statutory role as an advisor to you as Acting Director and to supporting the lawful and effective operation of the Institute,” said the letter.

Moreover, a myriad of organizations have risen up in protest against the dismantling of this agency. Their statements oppose the White House’s claim that the IMLS is an unnecessary use of government funds.

An example of this is the American Alliance of Museums’ (AAM) official statement released on Mar. 17,  which is one of many organizations that have risen up in support of America’s museums.

“There is no efficiency argument when IMLS represents just 0.0046% of the federal budget, while museums generate $50 billion in economic impact,” said the AAM.

However, as it stands, Sonderling, under the thumb of the Trump administration, is planning on transforming IMLS to fit the current government’s ideals.

“We will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism, and cultivate love of country in future generations,” Sonderling said.