Democratic governors and state attorneys general are preparing to resist potential policies of President-elect Donald Trump as he gears up for his second term in office. Trump's past promises and actions, such as advocating for mass deportations, rolling back environmental regulations, and nominating Supreme Court justices who could challenge Roe v. Wade, have raised concerns among liberals.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for a special legislative session to create laws that are 'Trump-proof.' Additionally, the Democratic governors of Colorado and Illinois have launched a nationwide initiative named Governors Safeguarding Democracy.
During Trump's first term, Democratic state officials successfully challenged many of his policies through multistate legal actions. These efforts resulted in 94 successful outcomes, although some victories were temporary or focused on less prominent issues.
As Trump's second term approaches, the legal landscape has evolved. Democratic attorneys general anticipate facing a more sophisticated administration that may present fewer legal vulnerabilities. The courts have also shifted to a more conservative stance due to Trump's judicial appointments.
Democratic attorneys general are expected to engage in various strategies to oppose federal policies, including challenging regulations, laws, and executive actions. They may also utilize lawsuits and settlements with companies to influence policy outcomes.
Furthermore, the resistance against Trump's policies is not only driven by legal considerations but also by political ambitions. Democratic officials leading the charge against Trump could gain visibility and potentially enhance their future political prospects.
Overall, Democratic governors and state attorneys general are gearing up for a challenging battle against Trump's policies in his second term, employing a range of legal and political strategies to safeguard their interests and uphold the rule of law.