Democratic State AGs Rally to Counter Trump’s Bold Power Grab

Attorneys general from several states rallied in Minnesota on Thursday, vocally opposing President Donald Trump’s administration and its controversial policies. This event was part of an ongoing series aimed at engaging with residents and empowering them in the face of what the officials describe as unprecedented government actions.

During the event, less than three months into Trump’s second term, participants expressed grave concerns over the administration’s rapid changes. Significant federal job cuts and frozen grant funding for vital services have been enacted, leading to calls for accountability. The newly created Department of Government Efficiency, directed by Elon Musk, has come under scrutiny as well.

Deepinder Mayell, Executive Director of the Minnesota ACLU, warned that the nation is approaching a constitutional crisis. He highlighted the administration’s tendency to bypass judicial authority and disregard civil liberties. “We will not accept executive overreach into our towns, our homes, our schools,” he declared. “We will protect this democracy and this constitution.”

In recent weeks, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and a coalition of his peers have filed multiple lawsuits against Trump’s administration. These challenges address issues such as federal employee cuts and attacks on birthright citizenship. Ellison emphasized the importance of these legal actions, stating, “The lawsuits we are filing are not about partisanship. They are about the rule of law.”

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes pointed out the irony of the meeting taking place at a high school while Trump simultaneously moved to dismantle the federal Department of Education. She described the actions of Trump and Musk as “unconstitutional” and referred to the situation as “stranger than fiction.”

The implications of Trump’s policies extend to disability services in Minnesota, with projections indicating a state budget shortfall in the coming years. Governor Tim Walz has proposed cuts that could adversely affect these essential services. Nikki Villavicencio, Chair of the Minnesota Council on Disability, warned that proposed federal Medicaid cuts could remove up to $880 billion from the program over the next decade, jeopardizing support for vulnerable populations.

Ellison also mentioned ongoing investigations against at least 60 universities, including the University of Minnesota, aimed at dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. He asserted that such actions promote discrimination rather than thwarting it. Moreover, the Trump administration is reportedly rolling back healthcare protections for transgender individuals, particularly impacting veterans.

Former service member Elizabeth Java shared her personal story, emphasizing the crucial support she received from the VA during challenging times. She highlighted the importance of maintaining these healthcare provisions in light of the administration’s direction.

New York Attorney General Letitia James encouraged attendees to continue their advocacy efforts, reaffirming her commitment to upholding constitutional rights. “I’m not going to sit idly by and allow this government to diminish our Constitution or our freedoms,” she declared, rallying the crowd to voice their concerns and fight back against perceived injustices.