How AG Nick Brown Decides When to Sue a ‘Lawless President’
In the political arena, clashes between state and federal authorities are nothing new, but Washington State’s Attorney General Nick Brown is proving particularly active in fighting President Trump’s executive actions. Just 100 days into Trump’s second presidential term, Washington has filed 13 lawsuits against the administration—far more than during the first term. This surge reflects a well-planned response to what Brown describes as legal violations. The stakes are high for many Washingtonians as Brown’s legal battles could shape the very fabric of rights and resources in the state.
Tension Builds Between State and Federal Powers
In the political landscape of the United States, tensions have escalated between state governments and presidential powers. The state of Washington, under the guidance of Attorney General Nick Brown, has found itself in a unique position with a substantial number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump. This spike in litigation comes surprisingly within the first 100 days of Trump’s second term, and it’s a stark contrast to just a few years ago. While the state filed merely two lawsuits during Trump’s first stint, this year they’ve escalated to 13, indicating a fierce response to what Brown describes as a president who ‘disregards the Constitution’ and operates in a manner that he categorizes as lawless.
Preparing the Ground for Legal Action
The legal battles being waged by Brown and his team aren’t just a knee-jerk reaction to the president’s actions. No, there’s some serious groundwork behind these lawsuits. Brown’s predecessor, Bob Ferguson, not only set the stage but also prepared the office meticulously before Trump even took office. By examining Trump’s proposed policies and potential legal overreach before the election, they ensured that they were ready to act swiftly should the administration attempt illegal maneuvers. The current attorney general meets regularly with fellow Democratic attorneys general, strategising and discussing possible lawsuits against what they see as unconstitutional executive actions.
Executive Orders Spark Increased Litigation
Fast forward and Trump’s usage of executive orders has reached staggering heights since he took office. Over 140 executive orders have been signed, creating an environment where swift action is necessary to protect state interests. Brown was not hesitant to act early; in fact, he filed his first lawsuit against the Trump administration just two days into the new presidency, with several more swiftly following in a short span of time. His office’s response has not gone unnoticed, with a mix of criticism from some and praise from others for what they see as a brave stand against executive overreach.
A Three-Pronged Test Drives Strategy
Digging deeper, we see that Brown uses a very distinct framework when determining whether to pursue legal action — a kind of three-pronged test, if you will. He evaluates actions based on whether they are blatantly illegal or unconstitutional, whether Washingtonians will suffer harm, and if the state has the legal standing to file the lawsuit. This pragmatic approach has allowed him to filter through the many possibilities, focusing on cases that have concrete implications for residents rather than getting swept up in more abstract policy debates that may not yield direct results.
Selective Involvement for Strategic Focus
Interestingly, the attorney general remains selective in picking which cases to back, showing that just because something is politically charged doesn’t mean it warrants legal action. When a coalition of Democratic states recently launched a lawsuit contesting Trump’s tariff policies, Brown opted to sit that one out, believing that the issues didn’t align with the criteria that he set. Instead, he conservatively weighs the office’s resources, making sure that their lawyers — which number over 800 — are aligned with cases that truly matter. It’s a business-like strategic approach in the high-stakes world of legal battles against the might of a sitting president.
What criteria does AG Nick Brown use to decide on lawsuits?
Attorney General Nick Brown assesses several factors before deciding to sue, such as whether the president’s actions are illegal or unconstitutional, whether it harms Washington residents, and whether the state has jurisdiction.
Is the increase in lawsuits purely political?
While it’s certainly an increase from earlier lawsuits, Brown’s office strives to act only when there is justification based on legal grounds rather than political feelings.
How does collaboration with other states affect their litigation?
Brown’s office engages in regular discussions with other Democratic attorneys general to share strategies, which allows them to be more effective in countering the president’s actions legally.
Has Brown’s office had any legal wins against Trump?
Yes, Brown has engaged in successful preliminary victories halting attempts by Trump to enact certain policies at the federal level. His legal wins have had tangible impacts on areas such as birthright citizenship and federal spending.
Did Brown join the multistate lawsuit regarding Trump’s tariffs?
No, Brown decided not to join the lawsuit concerning tariffs as he believed that it did not fulfil his office’s strategic and legal requirements, despite personally finding the policy harmful.
