Democrats at the State Level Develop Plans to Challenge Trump’s Policies
Trump’s border czar is cautioning against attempting to block the federal government, while lead law enforcement officials in some states are strategizing their responses to expected policy decisions from President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Attorneys general of California, Washington, New York, and New Jersey have all voiced readiness to file lawsuits against the Trump administration on various issues, including deportation plans, environmental protections, and abortion.
Actions taken by state attorneys general have historically focused on statewide issues, but during Barack Obama’s administration, they began taking more federal actions, with 62 multistate lawsuits filed. Both parties tend to challenge national leaders in partisan-focused actions, incentivizing further action to raise their national profile while pushing back on federal control.
States use tactics like blocking enforcement, forcing agencies to comply with statutes, and creating policies through litigation and agreements with private corporations and industries to address policies they disagree with. Litigation is expected to be a key method of response, with delays in implementation being common.
Lessons learned during Trump’s first tenure will inform strategies in the coming four years for both sides. Attorneys general are reviewing the Project 2025 plan and have pre-written briefs ready to file once policy actions are undertaken.
While states had successes against the federal government during Trump’s first term, Republicans’ control of Congress and a more conservative judiciary challenge Democrat AGs moving forward. Both sides are expected to engage in litigation on immigration and border security.
Trump’s team sees his election win as a mandate to implement promised policies regarding deportation and economic recovery. Affirming this stance, Trump responded positively to a post suggesting a national emergency for deportation operations upon his return to office.
His newly appointed border czar emphasized the importance of deporting dangerous illegal immigrants from a national security standpoint. Millions of individuals who entered the country illegally will face court-ordered removal in the coming years.
States like California are preparing to challenge federal policies they deem improper, citing experience from Trump’s first term. California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed readiness to challenge perceived improprieties and position California as a leader in national policy discussions.
