100 Ways States are Defending Democracy and the Rule of Law in the Trump Administration’s First 100 Days
States United Publishes New Report Compiling Actions and Public Statements from Governors, Attorneys General, and Other State Officials Serving as a Check on the Federal Government
WASHINGTON — The States United Democracy Center today published a new report documenting how state officials across the country are using every tool at their disposal to defend democracy, protect their residents, and uphold the rule of law in the first 100 days of the new Trump administration. The report, 100 Ways in 100 Days, features 100 actions and public statements by state leaders responding to unlawful actions by the Trump administration. Together, they detail a coordinated assertion of state authority in the face of federal overreach and its harmful impacts on states.
“States are power centers, and across the country they are holding the line and protecting their residents from the Trump administration’s threats to their freedoms,” said Joanna Lydgate, CEO of States United. “The first 100 days of this administration have brought one unlawful power grab after another—from defying court orders to withholding vital resources owed to states. But we’ve also seen a powerful state-level response, grounded in the Constitution and the rule of law. State officials are doing what the moment demands: Standing together to serve as a check on federal power and protect our democracy.”
100 Ways in 100 Days captures every major piece of litigation brought by states against the administration. States have challenged executive branch actions ranging from unlawful federal funding cuts and firings to overstepping state authority to set education, public safety, and election policies. These lawsuits include claims of violating residents’ rights to privacy, due process, and more. The report also features commentary from state officials who are sounding the alarm about the administration’s defiance of court orders and disregard for treating everyone equally under the law.
The actions and statements are broken down into eight categories:
- Protecting elections & voting
- Protecting essential government services
- Fighting against federal overreach
- Upholding the Constitution and rule of law
- Defending public servants
- Defending the independence of the judiciary
- Challenging attacks on independent regulators and watchdogs
- Enforcing state authority to govern and support residents
“The rule of law doesn’t change based on who’s in the White House,” said Trey Grayson, former Kentucky Secretary of State. “Public servants take a sworn oath to uphold the Constitution and serve the people. For our federal system of government to function, state leaders must step up. This report identifies 100 ways they are meeting the challenge.”
Read 100 Ways in 100 Days: How States are Defending Democracy and the Rule of Law in the New Trump Administration here and review additional resources on how recent actions from the federal government are impacting the states here.
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About the States United Democracy Center
States United is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, secure elections. We provide direct support to state officials and law enforcement leaders as they uphold the law and our system of checks and balances, protect public safety, defend elections, and preserve our democracy. For more information, visit statesunited.org.