States United Democracy Center
@statesunited.org
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@statesunitedaction.bsky.social
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A New Playbook for Democracy: Lessons from the States in 2025 - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
2025 was a challenging year for our democracy. But here’s the good news: governors, attorneys general, election officials, law enforcement & military leaders stepped up to defend the American people.
Find out how in our new end-of-year recap: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
Find out how in our new end-of-year recap: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
The criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is the latest example of the Justice Department targeting the president’s political enemies.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/doj-launches-criminal-investigation-fed-chair-jerome-powell/story?id=129114228
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/doj-launches-criminal-investigation-fed-chair-jerome-powell/story?id=129114228
DOJ launches criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, he says
Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he confirmed in a statement Sunday night.
abcnews.go.com
January 18, 2026 at 11:32 PM
The criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is the latest example of the Justice Department targeting the president’s political enemies.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/doj-launches-criminal-investigation-fed-chair-jerome-powell/story?id=129114228
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/doj-launches-criminal-investigation-fed-chair-jerome-powell/story?id=129114228
The Insurrection Act is a rarely-used law with sweeping domestic powers. If abused, it sets a very dangerous precedent for our country.
Learn the history and key takeaways of the Insurrection Act: https://statesunited.org/resources/facts-about-insurrection-act/
Learn the history and key takeaways of the Insurrection Act: https://statesunited.org/resources/facts-about-insurrection-act/
Sharing the Facts About the Insurrection Act - States United Democracy Center
We provide legal, research, policy, and communications support to the state officials who protect our free and fair elections.
statesunited.org
January 18, 2026 at 8:58 PM
The Insurrection Act is a rarely-used law with sweeping domestic powers. If abused, it sets a very dangerous precedent for our country.
Learn the history and key takeaways of the Insurrection Act: https://statesunited.org/resources/facts-about-insurrection-act/
Learn the history and key takeaways of the Insurrection Act: https://statesunited.org/resources/facts-about-insurrection-act/
“The justice department’s enforcement authority has limits – it does not extend to hijacking state election authority.” – Dax Goldstein, States United Election Protection Program Director https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/16/california-sensitive-information-voters
Justice department loses bid to get sensitive information on California voters
Federal judge rules Trump administration’s efforts to obtain information on voters in the state is threat to democracy
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:28 PM
“The justice department’s enforcement authority has limits – it does not extend to hijacking state election authority.” – Dax Goldstein, States United Election Protection Program Director https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/16/california-sensitive-information-voters
This week, President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the U.S. military against protestors in Minnesota.
Get the latest news and more in our weekly newsletter: https://statesunited.org/access-denied/
Get the latest news and more in our weekly newsletter: https://statesunited.org/access-denied/
Access Denied - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
January 17, 2026 at 5:25 PM
This week, President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the U.S. military against protestors in Minnesota.
Get the latest news and more in our weekly newsletter: https://statesunited.org/access-denied/
Get the latest news and more in our weekly newsletter: https://statesunited.org/access-denied/
The misuse of federal law enforcement power for political retaliation is dangerous and a threat to the rule of law. The Justice Department is the People’s law firm—not the president’s. It shouldn’t be used as a political tool to intimidate public officials from doing their jobs.
Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.
The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
Breaking news: The Justice Department has issued subpoenas for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as part of an investigation alleging that they are impeding federal law enforcement officers’ abilities to do their jobs in the state.
January 17, 2026 at 2:12 AM
The misuse of federal law enforcement power for political retaliation is dangerous and a threat to the rule of law. The Justice Department is the People’s law firm—not the president’s. It shouldn’t be used as a political tool to intimidate public officials from doing their jobs.
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it in Minnesota?
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it in Minnesota?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
cbsn.ws
January 16, 2026 at 12:20 AM
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it in Minnesota?
Trump’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act is a clear and dangerous abuse of presidential power.
www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-i...
www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-i...
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it in Minnesota?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
www.cbsnews.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Trump’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act is a clear and dangerous abuse of presidential power.
www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-i...
www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-i...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
"unnerving"
"fruitless exercise"
"the craziest thing I've heard"
NYT obtained transcripts of secret grand jury testimony from the Georgia election interference case against Trump and his allies — show just how alarmed senior Republicans felt about Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
"fruitless exercise"
"the craziest thing I've heard"
NYT obtained transcripts of secret grand jury testimony from the Georgia election interference case against Trump and his allies — show just how alarmed senior Republicans felt about Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
In Secret Testimony, Republicans Derided Trump’s Stolen Election Claims
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:55 PM
"unnerving"
"fruitless exercise"
"the craziest thing I've heard"
NYT obtained transcripts of secret grand jury testimony from the Georgia election interference case against Trump and his allies — show just how alarmed senior Republicans felt about Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
"fruitless exercise"
"the craziest thing I've heard"
NYT obtained transcripts of secret grand jury testimony from the Georgia election interference case against Trump and his allies — show just how alarmed senior Republicans felt about Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
One year into President Trump's second term, our updated report shows 228 executive orders issued to date—highlighting a governing style driven by unilateral action.
Read the report: https://statesunited.org/resources/executive-order-report/
Read the report: https://statesunited.org/resources/executive-order-report/
Executive (Dis)Order: Trump's Unprecedented Use of Executive Orders and How States Are Fighting Back - States United Democracy Center
We provide legal, research, policy, and communications support to the state officials who protect our free and fair elections.
statesunited.org
January 16, 2026 at 1:11 AM
One year into President Trump's second term, our updated report shows 228 executive orders issued to date—highlighting a governing style driven by unilateral action.
Read the report: https://statesunited.org/resources/executive-order-report/
Read the report: https://statesunited.org/resources/executive-order-report/
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
33 former federal prosecutors in Minnesota are asking the Trump administration to reconsider its decision to exclude the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal agent
www.startribune.com/33-ex-federa...
www.startribune.com/33-ex-federa...
33 ex-federal prosecutors ask Trump to reconsider excluding state from Renee Good investigation
Former prosecutors said recent departures from the U.S. Attorney’s office will hamper future fraud investigations.
www.startribune.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:26 AM
33 former federal prosecutors in Minnesota are asking the Trump administration to reconsider its decision to exclude the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal agent
www.startribune.com/33-ex-federa...
www.startribune.com/33-ex-federa...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
The DOJ has sued 20 states over their voter roll data. Today, a court granted CA's motion to dismiss the DOJ's case—the first final ruling on the matter. Per the ruling: "There cannot be unbridled consolidation of all elections power in the Executive without action from Congress and public debate."
January 15, 2026 at 10:30 PM
The DOJ has sued 20 states over their voter roll data. Today, a court granted CA's motion to dismiss the DOJ's case—the first final ruling on the matter. Per the ruling: "There cannot be unbridled consolidation of all elections power in the Executive without action from Congress and public debate."
Today, the court sent a clear message: states run elections, not the administration. It reinforces what states have been arguing for months: There's no legal basis for the federal government’s sweeping demands for voters’ sensitive information.
wapo.st/45ODdyT
wapo.st/45ODdyT
Judge blocks Trump administration from getting California’s voter rolls
The Justice Department doesn’t have authority to use civil rights and voting laws to obtain voter lists, a judge rules, in a decision that could influence cases in other states.
wapo.st
January 15, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Today, the court sent a clear message: states run elections, not the administration. It reinforces what states have been arguing for months: There's no legal basis for the federal government’s sweeping demands for voters’ sensitive information.
wapo.st/45ODdyT
wapo.st/45ODdyT
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
From my former colleague Sam Trepel and me. Will
it be hard? Yes. But states can play a huge role in preserving the rule of law.
it be hard? Yes. But states can play a huge role in preserving the rule of law.
NEW in @us.theguardian.com: US former federal prosecutors Samantha Trepel from @statesunited.org & our own @kristyparker.bsky.social write about why incidents like the Minneapolis shooting must be followed by a credible inquiry and how states should prepare to hold ICE accountable. Read their piece:
Cities and states must hold ICE accountable for violence. The feds won’t | Kristy Parker and Samantha Trepel
As former federal prosecutors, we know an incident like the Minneapolis shooting must be followed by a credible inquiry
bit.ly
January 15, 2026 at 6:13 PM
From my former colleague Sam Trepel and me. Will
it be hard? Yes. But states can play a huge role in preserving the rule of law.
it be hard? Yes. But states can play a huge role in preserving the rule of law.
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
NEW in @us.theguardian.com: US former federal prosecutors Samantha Trepel from @statesunited.org & our own @kristyparker.bsky.social write about why incidents like the Minneapolis shooting must be followed by a credible inquiry and how states should prepare to hold ICE accountable. Read their piece:
Cities and states must hold ICE accountable for violence. The feds won’t | Kristy Parker and Samantha Trepel
As former federal prosecutors, we know an incident like the Minneapolis shooting must be followed by a credible inquiry
bit.ly
January 15, 2026 at 5:20 PM
NEW in @us.theguardian.com: US former federal prosecutors Samantha Trepel from @statesunited.org & our own @kristyparker.bsky.social write about why incidents like the Minneapolis shooting must be followed by a credible inquiry and how states should prepare to hold ICE accountable. Read their piece:
Members of the National Guard are citizen soldiers who signed up to serve their communities in their greatest time of need. Taking them away from their families and jobs to serve as political pawns for the president is a threat to public safety and the rule of law.
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Hundreds of federalized National Guard members demobilized in Oregon, Illinois and California
The troops were part of the Trump administration’s plan to support immigration enforcement operations.
www.opb.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:42 AM
Members of the National Guard are citizen soldiers who signed up to serve their communities in their greatest time of need. Taking them away from their families and jobs to serve as political pawns for the president is a threat to public safety and the rule of law.
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
As Minnesota officials pursue their own investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good, a new op-ed by former DOJ prosecutors weighs in on the role state leaders can play in holding federal immigration officers accountable.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Cities and states must hold ICE accountable for violence. The feds won’t | Kristy Parker and Samantha Trepel
As former federal prosecutors, we know an incident like the Minneapolis shooting must be followed by a credible inquiry
www.theguardian.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:44 PM
As Minnesota officials pursue their own investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good, a new op-ed by former DOJ prosecutors weighs in on the role state leaders can play in holding federal immigration officers accountable.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
"State and city officials in Minnesota and Illinois filed federal lawsuits against the Trump administration on Monday, claiming that the mass deployment of immigration agents to the Minneapolis and Chicago regions violated the U.S. Constitution and infringed on states’ rights."
Minnesota and Illinois Sue Trump Administration Over ICE Deployments
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:09 PM
"State and city officials in Minnesota and Illinois filed federal lawsuits against the Trump administration on Monday, claiming that the mass deployment of immigration agents to the Minneapolis and Chicago regions violated the U.S. Constitution and infringed on states’ rights."
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
ICYMI: We fought in court to protect voting in Oregon – and we won.
Voting by mail is a safe, secure, and beloved Oregon value, and we’ll continue to fight for Oregon values every day.
Read more: https://ow.ly/48AX50XVLWZ #orpol Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read
Voting by mail is a safe, secure, and beloved Oregon value, and we’ll continue to fight for Oregon values every day.
Read more: https://ow.ly/48AX50XVLWZ #orpol Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read
January 14, 2026 at 3:45 AM
ICYMI: We fought in court to protect voting in Oregon – and we won.
Voting by mail is a safe, secure, and beloved Oregon value, and we’ll continue to fight for Oregon values every day.
Read more: https://ow.ly/48AX50XVLWZ #orpol Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read
Voting by mail is a safe, secure, and beloved Oregon value, and we’ll continue to fight for Oregon values every day.
Read more: https://ow.ly/48AX50XVLWZ #orpol Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read
"The law takes precedent over the political whims of one man, and we will continue to fight to make sure that remains the case," Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha @peterneronha.bsky.social said after securing a preliminary injunction against the Trump admin.
riag.ri.gov/press-releas...
riag.ri.gov/press-releas...
Attorney General Neronha, Attorney General Tong, Ørsted secure preliminary injunction against Trump Administration, preserving Revolution Wind project | Rhode Island Attorney General's Office
riag.ri.gov
January 14, 2026 at 1:39 AM
"The law takes precedent over the political whims of one man, and we will continue to fight to make sure that remains the case," Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha @peterneronha.bsky.social said after securing a preliminary injunction against the Trump admin.
riag.ri.gov/press-releas...
riag.ri.gov/press-releas...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
We can either let the abuses of Donald Trump's administration become our new normal.
Or we can pursue real justice, accountability, and transparency.
Illinois has chosen our path — those who believe in the Constitution and the promise of America should join us in doing so.
Or we can pursue real justice, accountability, and transparency.
Illinois has chosen our path — those who believe in the Constitution and the promise of America should join us in doing so.
January 12, 2026 at 12:40 AM
We can either let the abuses of Donald Trump's administration become our new normal.
Or we can pursue real justice, accountability, and transparency.
Illinois has chosen our path — those who believe in the Constitution and the promise of America should join us in doing so.
Or we can pursue real justice, accountability, and transparency.
Illinois has chosen our path — those who believe in the Constitution and the promise of America should join us in doing so.
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
Attorney General Neronha, Attorney General Tong, Ørsted secure preliminary injunction against Trump Administration, preserving Revolution Wind project:
www.riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-attorney-general-tong-orsted-secure-preliminary-injunction
www.riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-attorney-general-tong-orsted-secure-preliminary-injunction
January 12, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Attorney General Neronha, Attorney General Tong, Ørsted secure preliminary injunction against Trump Administration, preserving Revolution Wind project:
www.riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-attorney-general-tong-orsted-secure-preliminary-injunction
www.riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-attorney-general-tong-orsted-secure-preliminary-injunction
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
@peterneronha.bsky.social said, “Their approach to governing is well-worn: attack any policy or project the President doesn’t like, without regard for the law, Congress, or the American people, and leave it to the lawyers to present disingenuous, often illogical arguments to defend these decisions."
January 12, 2026 at 11:25 PM
@peterneronha.bsky.social said, “Their approach to governing is well-worn: attack any policy or project the President doesn’t like, without regard for the law, Congress, or the American people, and leave it to the lawyers to present disingenuous, often illogical arguments to defend these decisions."
On Friday, a federal judge blocked the Trump admin from enforcing most of his executive order on elections against Oregon and Washington, finding it exceeded the President’s authority.
apnews.com/article/trum...
apnews.com/article/trum...
Judge blocks Trump's elections order in lawsuit by vote-by-mail states Oregon and Washington
A federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing most of his executive order on elections against the vote-by-mail states Washington and Oregon, in the latest b...
apnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:30 PM
On Friday, a federal judge blocked the Trump admin from enforcing most of his executive order on elections against Oregon and Washington, finding it exceeded the President’s authority.
apnews.com/article/trum...
apnews.com/article/trum...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
Hard to overstate what a remarkable statement this is from a Republican senator — even a retiring one — accusing thte Trump White House of weaponizing DOJ to control the Fed:
"It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question."
"It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question."
January 12, 2026 at 2:13 AM
Hard to overstate what a remarkable statement this is from a Republican senator — even a retiring one — accusing thte Trump White House of weaponizing DOJ to control the Fed:
"It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question."
"It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question."