Trump-Appointed Museum Agency Leader Pledges to Emphasize Patriotism in Mission
# The Future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Under New Leadership
The recent transformation at the **Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)** has sent shockwaves through the cultural and educational sectors. Following an executive order by former President **Donald Trump**, the IMLS has undergone significant restructuring, raising concerns among advocacy groups, librarians, and museum professionals regarding the future of federally funded cultural programs.
## **The Changing Leadership at IMLS**
On **March 20**, **Keith E. Sonderling**, a labor and employment lawyer with no known experience in cultural institutions, was **sworn in** as the new acting director of IMLS. Sonderling replaces **Cyndee Landrum**, a seasoned public library official who had held the position since early **2024**.
Sonderling pledged to **align the agency with the Trump administration’s vision**, focusing on **patriotism, American exceptionalism, and national values**. Critics argue that this shift could **stifle free expression and reduce funding** for institutions that present diverse cultural narratives.
## **Trump’s Executive Order and Its Impact**
Trump’s executive order directed IMLS to **eliminate all non-essential programs and funding**, effectively reducing its breadth of services. This move mirrors a broader strategy aimed at **shrinking federal involvement in education and the arts**, which has led to the dismantling of other agencies, such as the **Department of Education**.
The funding cuts are **expected to significantly impact museums, libraries, and cultural institutions**, creating uncertainty regarding the survival of **programs supporting underrepresented communities**. IMLS previously funded initiatives like:
– **Museum Grants for African American History and Culture**
– **Native American and Native Hawaiian Museum Services**
– **American Latino Museum Internship and Fellowship Initiative**
The **future of these culturally significant programs now remains unclear**.
## **Concerns from Advocacy Groups and Experts**
Library and museum organizations have raised **strong opposition** to the changes. Advocacy groups warn that the new approach could lead to **politically motivated censorship** in cultural institutions.
According to **Elizabeth Larison**, Director of the Arts and Culture Advocacy Program for the **National Coalition Against Censorship**, the Trump administration’s emphasis on “exceptionalism” raises concerns about **ideological control over public cultural institutions**.
> **”It seems now that the IMLS will be putting education and culture in service of nationalist propaganda, rather than in service of the American people,”** said Larison.
## **The Broader Cultural and Political Landscape**
IMLS is not the only institution affected by recent cultural policy shifts. Other **national cultural organizations** have also seen strong **interventions from the Trump administration**:
– **National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH):** The first **Native American** chairperson, **Shelly C. Lowe**, was recently **removed**.
– **National Endowment for the Arts (NEA):** Facing lawsuits regarding **Trump’s anti-LGBTQ policies**.
– **Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts:** Subject to a **takeover** by Trump-appointed allies, leading to **artist withdrawals**.
The potential **restriction of controversial or critical artistic works** has drawn concerns that the federal government is attempting to **reshape arts and cultural institutions** to align with political priorities.
## **The Reaction from Cultural Institutions**
The largest national organizations representing museums and libraries, including the **American Library Association (ALA)** and the **American Alliance of Museums (AAM)**, have **condemned** the restructuring of IMLS.
The **ALA** issued a firm statement against the executive order:
> **”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.”**
## **What Comes Next for Museums and Libraries?**
As the restructuring at IMLS unfolds, **institutions across the country may face funding shortages**. Independent fundraising and state support may become critical alternatives to keep museums and libraries operational.
Cultural groups and legal advocates are expected to challenge the **legality of defunding initiatives**, arguing that the First Amendment protects **access to diverse and inclusive cultural resources**.
## **Conclusion**
The **Institute of Museum and Library Services** has long played a critical role in **preserving American culture and history**. The recent leadership shift and funding freeze **pose unprecedented challenges** to the future of public access to arts and education.
With cultural advocacy organizations pushing back against these changes, the **coming months will be crucial** in determining the direction of **federal cultural funding and policy** in the United States.
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### **Stay Informed and Take Action**
As federal cultural policies continue to evolve, staying **informed and engaged** is vital. Cultural institutions and advocacy groups encourage the public to:
– **Contact representatives** in Congress to