Table of Contents
- The Legal Crusade Against the Trump Administration
- Why 40 Multi-State Lawsuits Is Unprecedented
- Key Legal Battles Led by James
- Trump’s Retaliation and Political Fallout
- What Comes Next for James and State Power
- Sources
Letitia James Has Marshaled States to Sue Trump—Again and Again
Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, New York Attorney General Letitia James has emerged as one of his most formidable legal adversaries—not just as a solo prosecutor, but as a coalition builder. According to a New York Times analysis, James has joined or led nearly 40 multi-state lawsuits against the Trump administration on issues ranging from environmental rollbacks to civil rights violations.
“When the federal government abdicates its duty, states must step in,” James said in a recent interview. “And we have.”
Why 40 Multi-State Lawsuits Is Unprecedented
While state attorneys general have long challenged federal overreach, the scale and coordination of James’s efforts stand out. She has repeatedly rallied Democratic attorneys general—and occasionally swing-state Republicans—to file joint actions that amplify legal pressure and share resources.
Legal scholars note that this strategy not only increases the odds of judicial success but also creates a unified front against what James calls “executive lawlessness.”
Key Legal Battles Led by James
Here are some of the most significant cases where James played a central role:
| Issue | States Involved | Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Rollback of Clean Water Protections | 22 states | Injunction granted by federal court |
| Cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies | 18 states | Preliminary injunction upheld |
| Deportation of undocumented minors | 15 states | Case pending in 2nd Circuit |
| Elimination of student loan forgiveness | 20 states | Supreme Court review expected |
James has also used her authority as New York’s top prosecutor to investigate Trump-related entities independently—most notably the civil fraud case that resulted in a $454 million judgment against the former president and his company in 2024.
Trump’s Retaliation and Political Fallout
President Trump has not taken these legal challenges lightly. In speeches and social media posts, he has repeatedly attacked James as “corrupt” and “politically motivated,” and his administration has sought to cut federal funding to New York over her lawsuits.
Yet James’s popularity in her home state remains high. A September 2025 Siena College poll showed 61% of New Yorkers approve of her job performance—particularly her willingness to “stand up to Washington.”
What Comes Next for James and State Power
With the 2026 gubernatorial race on the horizon, speculation is mounting that James could run for higher office. But for now, she insists her focus remains on accountability.
“This isn’t about politics,” she said. “It’s about protecting people’s rights when the federal government won’t.”
As long as the Trump administration continues its aggressive policy shifts, legal experts expect James to keep leading the charge—one multi-state lawsuit at a time.
