In response to President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed conservative policies, particularly regarding environmental regulations and immigration enforcement, several Democratic-led states are proactively formulating strategies to safeguard their progressive agendas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has convened a special legislative session to «Trump-proof» the state’s laws. This session aims to allocate $25 million to the state attorney general’s office for legal defenses and to bolster protections in areas such as abortion rights, environmental regulations, and immigrant support.
Governors J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and Jared Polis of Colorado have announced the formation of «Governors Safeguarding Democracy,» a coalition designed to uphold state-level democratic institutions and policies against potential federal encroachments.
All grounds of battle have been included to close any potential weakness. For instance, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is establishing litigation units to defend against anticipated federal overreach, drawing on past experiences of successful litigation against Trump’s policies.
Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has also taken several actions to uphold the state’s progressive values. She announced that the Massachusetts State Police will not participate in federal mass deportation initiatives planned by the incoming administration. And emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting its residents, natural resources and maintaining public safety.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated measures to safeguard the state’s progressive policies. In collaboration with Attorney General Letitia James, launched the «Empire State Freedom Initiative» that focuses on protecting reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, gun safety regulations, and environmental justice.
This preparedness is not new though. During Trump’s first term, Democratic-led states engaged in extensive legal challenges against federal policies, achieving notable successes in areas like immigration and environmental protection. However, with a judiciary that has become more conservative due to Trump’s appointments, current legal strategies may encounter increased challenges.
In summary, multiple Democratic-led states are actively coordinating efforts to counteract Trump’s administration policies, employing legislative measures, forming coalitions, and preparing for legal battles to uphold their progressive agendas.
By Nestor Ikeda
A Peruvian AP Reporter (Ret) in Washington, DC
