Attorney General Kris Mayes Joins Multi-State Effort to Stop Trump Administration’s Cuts to Humanities Funding

In a bold move to protect public humanities programs, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has taken legal action against the Trump administration’s decision to slash funding to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Leading a coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia, Mayes has signed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit to block the cuts—described as both unlawful and deeply damaging.

“Arizonans and Americans did not vote for this. Congress did not approve this. The Trump Administration does not have the unilateral authority to steal this funding from the states,” Mayes stated, underscoring what she calls a violation of constitutional and congressional authority.

What’s at Stake for Arizona?

According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the NEH’s abrupt fund reductions are already hitting local programs hard. Among those affected:

AZ Reads – A program supporting literacy efforts in K-12 schools.
Library grants – Funding that allows libraries to create and sustain local, community-focused programs.
Blue Corn Festival – A beloved event honoring Diné culture, food, and heritage.

State councils, faced with dwindling resources, have reportedly begun furloughing staff and canceling long-standing community events.

National Support in Legal Battle

Mayes isn’t alone in the legal showdown. Attorneys general from Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Vermont, and D.C. have joined the brief. The legal team is supporting a larger suit filed in the District Court for the District of Oregon, where a critical injunction hearing is set for August 4 in Portland.

Why It Matters

The Trump administration’s attempt to reduce NEH funding without congressional approval is seen by many legal experts as a serious breach of federal authority. The affected programs—some dating back to the early 1970s—serve as vital lifelines for schools, libraries, underserved communities, and Indigenous cultural preservation.

Mayes and the broader coalition are now asking the court to restore funding immediately, citing irreparable harm if the cuts are allowed to proceed.

“These are not just grants—they are investments in education, culture, and community identity,” Mayes said. “We’re not going to let them disappear without a fight.”

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