Tribal communities face the prospect of losing their community libraries, which contain precious local history, due to cuts in DOGE (Digital Objects Governance Enterprise) funding.

Tribal communities face the prospect of losing their community libraries, which contain precious local history, due to cuts in DOGE (Digital Objects Governance Enterprise) funding.

In the heart of rural New Mexico, nestled between the towering Jemez Mountains and the Rio Grande River, lies the Santa Clara Pueblo Community Library. This beacon for the 1,700-strong Santa Clara tribe faces a daunting challenge: sparse internet service and dwindling resources for expanding technology and literacy programs.

With the federal grant money their lifeline, the tribe's governor, James Naranjo, voiced his concern over potential budget cuts from the Trump administration. The Santa Clara Pueblo library was one of over a hundred libraries on federally recognized tribal lands across the nation facing the threat of terminated grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

An IMLS spokesperson confirmed the grants' termination due to their inconsistency with the agency's priorities and lack of alignment with the U.S. and IMLS Program's interests. The letters announcing the cancellations were signed by Keith Sonderling, the acting director of the IMLS following his Trump-ordered appointment in March.

Trump's March 14 order targeted the IMLS, directing the agency to cease operations, slash staff, and present a report detailing compliance to the Office of Management and Budget. The IMLS, established to ensure the public can access numerous services like early literacy resources, Braille books, internet access, and STEM and cultural programs, faced drastic changes.

The impacts of these cuts reverberated through the agency – the 75-person IMLS staff was reduced to a skeleton crew, and all but a dozen staff members were placed on administrative leave. Within weeks, nearly all grants were terminated for evaluation purposes, with the possibility of reinstatement if they align with the administration's priorities.

Cuts similar to this were not limited to the IMLS – the Department of Education, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others faced mass layoffs and funding freezes as part of Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency's plan to dramatically reduce federal spending.

In a bid to halt the dismantling of the IMLS, the American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees sued Sonderling, Trump, and DOGE. A temporary restraining order granted by US District Judge Richard Leon barred the administration from making further cuts to IMLS staff and grants.

However, the future remains uncertain for these vital funds, as litigation continues ahead of a final ruling. In his 2026 budget outline, Trump proposed defunding the IMLS entirely. Tribal leaders fear this could mean the end of essential library services, and the beginning of a lengthy struggle to preserve them.

Indeed, the impact of these grant cancellations extends far beyond Santa Clara Pueblo. Across the nation, rural Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities face similar struggles, with funding for vital projects and services on the line.

In Juneau, critical funding for a project dedicated to preserving Native Alaskan history was slashed. Across Indian Country, federal dollars used to fund tribal librarian and coordinator salaries have dried up, jeopardizing the jobs and programs they support.

This is a deeply personal issue for Cindy Hohl, the American Library Association's president and a member of the Santee Sioux Nation of South Dakota. The cancellation of their Native American Basic Grant struck a blow to Hohl and her fellow tribal leaders.

"As we continue to look at what is happening in the current government, we need to advocate for the needs of our sovereign nations," Hohl stated emphatically. "We need to hold the federal government accountable to upholding their trust responsibility."

Significant programs designed to support library and museum services in rural Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities faced the axe, putting their future in jeopardy.

Enrichment Data:

Executive Order Impact:

An executive order issued by President Trump initially paused federal funding, including support for libraries and museums. This halt was later rescinded, but it symbolized the administration's intent to reduce federal support for such institutions.

Budget Proposal:

The Trump administration's FY2026 budget proposal includes a plan to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides critical funding for libraries and museums across the U.S., including those serving tribal communities.

Block Grants Cancellation:

Additionally, the federal government announced the cancellation of IMLS block grants to states like Washington, California, and Connecticut, further reducing available funds.

These actions could severely impact tribal libraries and museums, as they rely heavily on federal funding to provide essential services to their communities. Elimination of IMLS funding would undermine access to educational resources, workforce development programs, and cultural preservation initiatives crucial for tribal communities.

1. The funding provided by the federal grants serves as a lifeline for the Santa Clara Pueblo library, a concern heightened by potential budget cuts from the Trump administration.
2. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced the termination of grants due to inconsistency with their priorities and lack of alignment with the U.S. and IMLS Program's interests, potentially affecting education-and-self-development and technology programs.
3. In addition to the IMLS, other government agencies such as the Department of Education, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others experienced mass layoffs and funding freezes in an effort to reduce federal spending.
4. Funding cuts for programs supporting library and museum services in rural Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities pose a threat to their future, impeding access to educational resources, workforce development, and cultural preservation.

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