State & Federal Officials: Stand Up for Democracy in America

Since Trump returned to office in 2025, his administration has repeatedly defied court orders and undermined our democracy. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) violated a federal court injunction by deporting asylum seekers whom the courts had ordered to be protected. Trump has stripped independence from administrative law judges, giving political appointees control over legal rulings. His Justice Department refuses to comply with court-mandated corruption investigations. These issues are not partisan; they are violations of core constitutional principles. At the same time, Trump is dismantling critical government agencies responsible for public safety and national security, firing thousands of experienced civil servants without a plan to replace them. These purges leave vital agencies weakened and politicized, putting Americans at risk. Congress controls the federal budget and must investigate how this reckless dismantling of essential functions endangers the public. Additionally, Trump's cabinet and appointees are riddled with conflicts of interest and ethical violations. The executive branch operates without transparency or necessary accountability, with business entanglements and personal loyalty tests replacing qualifications. Congress should hold hearings and investigations rather than remain passive. While federal checks may be faltering, state officials are not powerless. States can join or file lawsuits against unlawful federal actions, as many did under past administrations. State legislatures and attorneys general can investigate, protect vulnerable communities, and use public platforms to defend democratic norms. I urge you to act. Use every available tool—legal, legislative, and public—to oppose this abuse of power. Defending democracy is the responsibility of leaders at every level of our federal and state governments.