Roughly half of the country is represented by Democratic attorneys general who are gearing up to confront President-elect Donald Trump, just as many did during his first term. Currently, twenty-three states along with the District of Columbia and Northern Marianas Islands have Democrats serving as their top law enforcement officers, positioning themselves as a line of defense against a Trump administration.
Washington Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson emerged as a prominent figure in state-government litigation last term, being involved in 99 suits against the Trump administration, albeit losing only three. Ferguson notably litigated the Muslim travel ban and expressed concerns about potential Trump-era changes to abortion, immigration, and LGBTQ policy.
In New Jersey, then-Attorney General Gurbir Grewal participated in numerous suits against the first Trump administration, with Governor Phil Murphy emphasizing his commitment to defending Jersey values. Similarly, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has been preparing for another Trump administration, closely monitoring Trump's agenda for his second term.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings of Delaware made opposing Trump a focal point of her 2018 campaign, citing concerns about civil rights and the rule of law. In Wisconsin, Attorney General Josh Kaul signaled readiness to defend Wisconsinites' rights if necessary, while Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is coordinating efforts with other attorneys general to address potential challenges.
Former Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin successfully blocked Trump's travel ban and was the first to launch litigation against it. New York's Letitia James, a high-profile attorney general, led a significant fraud case against Trump and pledged to continue fighting back.
Overall, Democratic attorneys general across the country are prepared to use legal avenues to protect their residents from actions that may violate laws or harm communities under the incoming Trump administration. While hoping to avoid unnecessary conflicts, these officials remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the law and defending the rights of their constituents.
