Democratic AGs Vow Unyielding Battle Against Trump: “None of Us Are Tired”

WASHINGTON — Democratic state attorneys general expressed their commitment on Capitol Hill to counter President Donald Trump’s executive orders, which they claim threaten birthright citizenship, impose excessive global tariffs, and undermine crucial medical research.

Attorneys General Keith Ellison from Minnesota, Matthew J. Platkin from New Jersey, Andrea Campbell from Massachusetts, and Kwame Raoul from Illinois addressed Democratic lawmakers during a special session, highlighting their legal battles against the administration’s directives.

The AGs assert that these executive actions endanger state economies and infringe upon citizens’ rights. They have achieved notable victories in federal courts, reinstating jobs for dismissed federal workers and safeguarding funds for health initiatives.

Trump and his allies have criticized federal judges on social media for rulings they oppose and are considering measures to limit judicial authority. “We’ve been punching above our weight and playing a vital role in this moment,” Campbell stated.

Over 20 Democratic AGs are now waiting for a Supreme Court decision on whether to uphold lower court rulings supporting birthright citizenship. Rep. Jamie Raskin praised their contributions within the hundreds of lawsuits challenging Trump’s unilateral actions.

According to Raskin, the administration currently faces around 328 lawsuits, including at least 30 from Democratic AGs. Federal courts have issued numerous injunctions against the government’s actions, signaling a significant pushback from the judiciary.

Sen. Dick Durbin expressed concern over the harmful implications of Trump’s executive orders on citizens’ rights and financial well-being. “In this disturbing environment, many Americans have no greater ally than their states’ attorneys general,” he noted.

The panel of AGs reiterated their commitment to defending Congressional authority, emphasizing the futility of Trump’s attempts to act unilaterally. Platkin referenced a recent court victory that prevented the alteration of a transportation program into an immigration enforcement initiative.

Ellison criticized the administration’s actions as “bullying” towards states that stand to lose federal funding. “None of us are tired, and we can do this longer than they can,” he asserted.

During a lengthy discussion, Democratic lawmakers highlighted the adverse effects of Trump’s executive orders on their constituents. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon specifically noted the negative impact of funding cuts from the National Institutes of Health, essential for medical research.

Scanlon emphasized the urgent repercussions her constituents were facing, stating, “Participants are being told they can no longer receive the treatment that, for many, was their last best hope.”

Rep. Deborah Ross, representing North Carolina’s “Research Triangle,” acknowledged the AGs’ efforts in restoring NIH funding. She shared a poignant story about a constituent awaiting the start of a medical study, underscoring the human cost of funding cuts.

Raoul highlighted the personal nature of this fight, encouraging his Republican counterparts to join the legal challenges in support of vital medical research. “This impacts everyone, regardless of party affiliation. I urge my colleagues to stand united in this fight,” he added.