One year into President Trump’s second term, Democratic attorneys general have turned the courts into their main line of defense. So far, they’ve filed 71 lawsuits against the administration, and more are coming in 2026. With Republicans controlling the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court, lawsuits are one of the few tools Democrats have left to push back.
The legal effort is highly coordinated. Attorneys general from 22 states and D.C. are working together to challenge what they see as an aggressive expansion of presidential power — from tariffs and National Guard deployments, to cuts in education, health care, housing, food assistance and civil rights protections.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has emerged as one of the most active players, leading or joining 52 lawsuits. In Oregon Capital Chronicle, he says the coalition isn’t about politics, but about stopping unlawful actions and protecting people and funding in their states. So far, the group has won 40 of 51 resolved cases, according to progressive legal trackers.
While hundreds of other lawsuits have been filed by businesses, universities and advocacy groups, experts say the AG coalition stands out for its speed, coordination and capacity. It’s already prevented billions of dollars from being cut off to states — including an estimated $4.5 billion in Oregon.
Republican attorneys general argue Democrats are overreaching, while GOP AGs largely support Trump’s agenda. But for now, Democratic AGs say the message is clear: if the administration crosses legal lines, they’re ready to meet it in court — again and again.
The above summarizes Oregon Capital Chronicle‘s Jan. 7, 2026 article “Democratic state AGs will lead opposition to Trump in new year“ by Erika Bolstad.
Salem Justice Building photo by Gary Halvorson (modified). Licensed under CC by 4.0.