Key Takeaways:
- Democrat state attorneys general from 19 states and D.C. are coordinating legal challenges against President Trump’s policies.
- They formed common interest agreements to cooperate on lawsuits without sharing confidential information.
- Key areas of challenge include immigration, environmental regulations, healthcare, gun control, and government efficiency.
States unite to challenge Trump’s policies
Shortly after President Donald Trump’s election in 2025, a group of Democrat state attorneys general began planning legal battles against his expected policies. This coordinated effort spans multiple issues, signaling a potentially contentious second term for Trump.
What’s Happening?
Democrat attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia have joined forces, using common interest agreements to prepare lawsuits against Trump’s policies. These agreements allow states to share legal strategies without revealing confidential information, according to Mike Faulk, a spokesman for Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. They aim to challenge executive actions on immigration, environment, healthcare, and gun control.
Birthright Citizenship: The First Move
Just days after Trump’s election, 19 states agreed to challenge his potential changes to birthright citizenship. On January 21, the day after Trump’s inauguration, they announced a lawsuit to defend the practice, which grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. This move was a swift reaction to Trump’s campaign promises.
Environmental Regulations: A Long-Standing Fight
The environmental challenges began even before the election. In July 2024, attorneys general, including Oregon’s Ellen Rosenblum, agreed to challenge the White House’s environmental policies. After Trump’s victory, more states joined, concerned about rollbacks of Biden-era environmental rules. They’ve already sued over a funding freeze, with a Rhode Island judge ruling in their favor.
Healthcare for DACA Recipients
In December 2024, 23 states signed an agreement to protect healthcare access for DACA recipients under Obamacare. Five days before Trump’s inauguration, they sought to intervene in a lawsuit defending subsidies for these individuals, expanding healthcare to about 147,000 people.
Gun Control Battles
In January 2025, 23 attorneys general, including those from California and New York, joined to challenge ATF regulations on gun sales and trigger mechanisms. Texas has already sued the ATF over its authority. This month, 16 states and D.C. sued to reverse a policy on triggering mechanisms, arguing it could turn rifles into machine guns.
Government Efficiency and Criticism
States also challenged the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), suing to limit its data access. Attorney Chris Horner criticizes the common interest agreements, suggesting they’re more about politics than legal issues. He notes these agreements often anticipate Trump’s actions, indicating a strategic, pre-emptive approach.
A Look Ahead
The coming years may see intense legal battles between states and the federal government. These lawsuits could shape key policy areas and define Trump’s second term. As the situation evolves, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder how these challenges will impact the administration’s agenda.
Conclusion
Democrat attorneys general are taking a united stand against Trump’s policies, using legal strategies to protect their interests. With lawsuits already filed and more anticipated, this sets the stage for significant legal and political confrontations in the years to come.