Dem attorneys general prepare for legal battle with Trump after filing hundreds of challenges last term

Democratic attorneys general from roughly half the country are gearing up to confront President-elect Donald Trump, just as many did during his first term. With twenty-three states plus the District of Columbia and Northern Marianas Islands represented by Democrats as their top law enforcement officers, they have positioned themselves as a line of defense against a Trump administration.

Leading the charge is Washington Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson, who filed or was party to suits against the Trump administration 99 times during his first term as attorney general. While he lost three times, Ferguson made a significant impact by litigating the Muslim “travel ban” and expressing concern about Trump-era changes to abortion, immigration, and LGBTQ policy.

Ferguson’s successor, Attorney General-elect Nick Brown, has been prepared to continue the fight against the Trump administration. Brown has pledged to enforce and defend laws, stand up for values, and protect communities in Washington State.

In New Jersey, then-Attorney General Gurbir Grewal participated in numerous lawsuits against the first Trump administration, and Governor Phil Murphy has vowed to defend Jersey values against any actions that threaten them. Current New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin emphasized the importance of upholding the laws of the nation and the state, particularly in areas such as gun safety, health care, the environment, and immigration.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has been closely monitoring Trump’s agenda and is prepared to take action if necessary to protect environmental protections, immigrant and civil rights, and access to essential reproductive care. Bonta stressed the importance of being ready for whatever comes next from the president-elect.

In Delaware, Attorney General Kathy Jennings made opposing Trump a focal point of her campaign, emphasizing the need to stand up to the president when his agenda harms the state. Attorney General Josh Kaul of Wisconsin signaled his readiness to defend the rights of Wisconsinites if needed, while Attorney General William Tong of Connecticut is coordinating with other attorneys general to be prepared for any challenges that may arise.

While the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment, the president-elect recently criticized New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has been a vocal opponent of Trump. James has led significant cases against Trump and has vowed to continue fighting back.

Overall, Democratic attorneys general across the country are gearing up for potential challenges from the incoming Trump administration, ready to defend their states and residents against any actions that may violate laws or harm communities. Their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of their constituents remains steadfast as they prepare for the road ahead.