For Immediate Release

On March 14, President Trump issued an Executive Order, Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, directing further cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an agency that is already operating at a minimum level, making up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget. IMLS efficiently provides critical resources to libraries and museums in all 50 states and territories.

The Executive Order would effectively dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums. This move directly contradicts public sentiment, as 96% of Americans support maintaining or increasing federal museum funding.

Museums are vital community anchors, serving all Americans, including youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans. Museums are not only centers for education and inspiration but also economic engines—creating jobs, driving tourism, and strengthening local economies.

This Executive Order threatens the critical roles museums and museum workers play in American society and puts jobs, education, conservation, and vital community programs at risk. There is no efficiency argument when IMLS represents just 0.0046% of the federal budget, while museums generate $50 billion in economic impact.

We are in communication with our coalition partners, agency contacts, and champions on Capitol Hill to assess the full impacts of the Executive Order and will provide updates on our website.

About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward.

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Press Contact:

Natanya Khashan

media@aam-us.org