Article Summary –
Michigan has been involved in 38 lawsuits against President Trump’s administration this year, challenging various federal policies deemed unlawful, such as the rescinding of federal funding, the dismantling of federal agencies, and the firing of government employees. The lawsuits, led by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, argue these actions violate constitutional and administrative laws, posing specific harm to Michigan and its residents. Notable cases include challenges to a budget directive affecting federal funding, mass firings of government employees, an attempt to dismantle the Department of Education, and a provision in a bill targeting Planned Parenthood, with varying court outcomes highlighted in the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s Federal Actions Tracker.
Michigan has been involved in 38 lawsuits with other states contesting President Donald Trump’s actions this year, according to state records.
Since the start of Trump’s second term in January, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has led legal actions against the federal government, claiming the president’s policies and orders are unlawful. These lawsuits focus on issues like federal funding cuts, agency dismantling, and the firing of government employees.
The Michigan Attorney General’s office maintains a publicly accessible database detailing these lawsuits, including their background and current status.
Nessel, a Democrat, stated in a Jan. 21 press release regarding Michigan’s first legal challenge this year to Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship that her actions are to represent Michigan residents’ interests without political bias.
“I will not join litigation against the President simply for policy disagreements,” Nessel emphasized in a YouTube video, stating her commitment to laws and residents’ welfare.
Here’s an overview of notable cases and their statuses. All information is from Michigan’s Federal Actions Tracker.
Date filed: Jan. 28
Background: Michigan and 21 states challenged a memo from the Office of Management and Budget halting almost all state funding, including Medicaid and public school payments. Plaintiffs argue it violates the Administrative Procedure Act.
Status: The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island sided with plaintiffs, issuing a preliminary injunction preventing the directive. The ruling was appealed to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, with oral arguments scheduled for Nov. 18.
Date filed: March 6
Background: Michigan and 19 states filed a lawsuit against the administration’s mass termination of government employees, citing violations of legal procedures requiring 60 days’ notice and reimbursement for unemployment program costs.
Status: The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a preliminary injunction to reinstate employees, but the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned it, ruling the firings harmed employees, not states.
Date filed: March 13
Background: Michigan and 19 states sued over Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education, alleging constitutional and legal violations. The lawsuit argues dismantling would harm low-income and disabled students relying on federal programs.
Status: The U.S. Supreme Court delayed a lower court’s preliminary injunction. The First Circuit Court dismissed the administration’s appeal, returning the case to district court.
Date filed: July 29
Background: Michigan and 22 states sued over a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, claiming it targets Planned Parenthood by defunding clinics providing abortion services.
Status: The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Date filed: Oct. 28
Background: Michigan joined 24 states challenging the USDA’s refusal to use contingency funds for SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, affecting 42 million people, including 1.4 million in Michigan.
Status: The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ordered the USDA to use contingency funds. USDA issued partial benefits guidance and threatened states with liability for overpayments. The case remains open as funding resumed post-shutdown, with discussions ongoing regarding litigation steps as stated in a court notice.
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