The Democratic Party is currently facing a major internal divide on how to approach the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and his Republican allies. While some Democrats are advocating for a more conciliatory approach, others are gearing up to resist the policies of the new administration by all means necessary.
The groundwork for this resistance movement has been laid out over the past few months, with the help of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint outlining policy goals for the next Republican administration. Blue states have been preparing to protect programs that may come under attack and have been bolstering their legal teams to challenge the new administration in court.
Leading the charge in this resistance movement are prominent Democrats such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who have made it clear that they are ready to take on the Trump administration. Newsom, in particular, has positioned California as a stronghold against the incoming Republican leadership and has taken steps to protect state initiatives that may be targeted by the federal government.
Other governors, like JB Pritzker of Illinois and Jared Polis of Colorado, have also joined the resistance effort, forming a nonpartisan group focused on countering threats of autocracy. These governors are prepared to challenge the Trump administration and stand up for their constituents against any perceived injustices.
Democratic attorneys general are also gearing up for a fight, with offices across the country preparing to challenge the new administration in court. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who previously took on the Trump administration over immigration-related issues, has stated that they will be more prepared for the legal battles ahead.
Leading the charge in the legal fight against the Trump administration are attorneys general such as Rob Bonta of California, Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Matthew Platkin of New Jersey, and Letitia James of New York. These officials have made it clear that they will not hesitate to sue the administration if they believe that the rights of their constituents are being violated.
Overall, the Democratic Party is mobilizing its resources and preparing for a protracted battle against the incoming Trump administration. With governors and attorneys general leading the charge, the party is determined to resist the policies of the new administration and protect the rights and freedoms of the American people. In the aftermath of the recent election, many offices have put out a call for talented litigation attorneys to join their ranks, emphasizing the need for top legal minds to bolster their teams. However, despite the experience gained from previous legal battles against Trump, these attorneys face formidable obstacles this time around. The composition of a more conservative Supreme Court, shaped significantly by Trump, poses a significant challenge. Additionally, the incoming president has the support of a Republican-controlled Congress, which may seek to pass legislation that supersedes state laws, further complicating legal efforts.
While some Democratic governors may be hesitant to take a confrontational stance against the new administration, interest groups dedicated to opposing Trump are gearing up for a fight. Democracy Forward, a liberal legal organization established during Trump’s first term, has expanded its staff and resources to challenge federal regulations. With prominent figures like Marc Elias and Ron Klain on its board, the group is prepared to take on the administration in court.
The abortion issue is also expected to be a major point of contention. While Trump has promised to veto a national abortion ban, there are concerns that his administration may defund organizations like Planned Parenthood. Pro-choice advocacy groups, including EMILYs List, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, have vowed to hold Trump and anti-abortion politicians accountable for any actions that threaten reproductive rights.
In the realm of immigration, the American Civil Liberties Union has already filed a lawsuit seeking information on potential deportations under the new administration. Trump officials are reportedly strategizing on executive actions that can withstand legal challenges from immigrant rights organizations, learning from past setbacks like the Muslim travel ban.
Climate organizations like EarthJustice and the Sierra Club are also gearing up for legal battles over environmental regulations. EarthJustice, which has sued the Trump administration over 130 times and won the majority of court decisions, has expressed readiness to challenge the new administration in court.
As these interest groups and legal organizations prepare to face off against the incoming administration, the stage is set for a series of legal battles that will shape the future of key policy issues in the years to come.
