Democratic AGs Fight to Defend Biden Policies Amid Trump’s Return

Democratic attorneys general from over a dozen states, including California, New Jersey, and Michigan, have launched legal efforts to protect Biden administration policies on immigration, the environment, and gun control just days before Donald Trump’s return to office. Trump has vowed to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, roll back environmental regulations, and reverse transgender protections. With Republicans controlling Congress, Trump is poised to implement his agenda aggressively.

On Wednesday, state AGs sought federal court permission to defend a Biden rule offering health insurance to immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Republican AGs filed a lawsuit in August to block the rule, which the Department of Justice currently defends. New Jersey AG Matt Platkin expressed concerns that Trump’s DOJ may fail to uphold such rules, emphasizing the need to protect residents’ rights.

Democratic AGs are also intervening in cases involving environmental protections, gun regulations, and devices like "forced reset triggers" that increase firearm firing speed. Platkin underscored that while Trump can pursue his policies, he must adhere to the rule of law.

Coalitions of state AGs have increasingly used the courts to challenge federal policies on healthcare, energy, and financial regulation. During Trump’s first term, Democratic AGs filed 155 lawsuits, winning 83% of the cases, according to political scientist Paul Nolette. However, the legal landscape has shifted, with a more conservative judiciary shaped by Trump’s appointments. Democratic AGs, now equipped with experienced legal teams, are expected to counter Trump’s executive actions in his second term.

The ongoing legal battles highlight the growing importance of state AGs in shaping national policies, particularly on contentious issues like immigration, environmental protection, and gun control.