IMLS Solicits Trump-Aligned Projects for 2026 Grant Cycle

The Institute of Museum and Library Services issued guidance for its 2026 grant cycle saying it 'particularly welcomes' projects that align with President Donald J. Trump's vision and 'uplifting and positive narratives,' an institute spokesperson said.

The solicitation departs from the agency's historically apolitical, merit-based criteria and follows President Donald J. Trump's effort to eliminate the institute and remove Director Cyndee Landrum, actions that prompted lawsuits from 21 state attorneys general and the American Library Association, court filings show.

Former and current agency figures criticized the guidance, with Giovanna Urist calling the language 'chilling' and Crosby Kemper III calling it 'horrific,' while an institute spokesperson said director letters inform readers about this administration's thematic emphases, the spokesperson said.

The administration put nearly all of the institute's 75 employees on administrative leave, fired the board and rescinded some grants, and Grants.gov shows the agency expects to award nearly 600 grants totaling more than $78 million with awards ranging from $5,000 to $1 million.

Grants were reinstated under a December court order and legal and field scrutiny continues, with 21 state attorneys general having sued and the institute requesting support for 13 full-time employees in its Congressional Budget Justification, officials said.