President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would effectively dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Trump’s order, which was signed on Friday (14 March), would eliminate the only federal agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums.
It states that the president has determined a total of seven agencies to be “unnecessary” and that each of these entities “shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law”.
Seven agencies deemed “unnecessary”
The Institute of Museum and Library Services provides critical resources to libraries and museums in all 50 states and territories.
Another federal agency affected is the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution.
In response to Trump’s executive order, the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) said in a statement: “This move directly contradicts public sentiment, as 96 percent of Americans support maintaining or increasing federal museum funding.”
The order “threatens the critical roles museums and museum workers play in American society and puts jobs, education, conservation, and vital community programs at risk,” AAM said.
“There is no efficiency argument when IMLS represents just 0.0046 percent of the federal budget, while museums generate $50 billion in economic impact.”
The American Library Association (ALA) said in a statement: “Americans have loved and relied on public, school and academic libraries for generations.
“By eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Trump administration’s executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer.”
“ALA implores President Trump to reconsider this short-sighted decision,” it said.
Smithsonian diversity office closed
Earlier this year, the Smithsonian Institution said it would close its diversity office, freeze hiring for federal roles, and require workers to return to in-person work to comply with another of Trump’s executive orders.
Following the order, the National Gallery of Art also closed its diversity office and redistributed its staff.
Images courtesy of the Smithsonian
