Elon Musk, Trump Slash $400M in AmeriCorps Grants Amid Federal Cuts

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has ordered the cancellation of approximately $400 million in grants distributed by AmeriCorps, the national service and volunteering agency, the Washington Post reported Friday, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

The canceled grants represent about 41% of AmeriCorps' 2025 annual budget and will impact 1,031 organizations along with 32,465 AmeriCorps members and senior volunteers. AmeriCorps funds programs focused on education, disaster response, and environmental conservation.

This move comes as part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort, with close adviser Elon Musk, to significantly downsize the federal government, arguing that taxpayer money has been misused.

Last week, the White House placed most of AmeriCorps’ 650 full-time staff on paid administrative leave, with layoff notices starting to arrive Thursday, according to the Post.

Neither AmeriCorps nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment.

The budget cuts mark an unprecedented rollback of federal support for national service initiatives, intensifying debate over the future role of government-funded volunteerism in the U.S. The decision could disrupt critical community services nationwide, affecting programs ranging from tutoring in underprivileged schools to disaster relief operations.