States Stand Up: How Local Governments Fought Back in 2025

In 2025, state governments became the unsung heroes in a power struggle with the federal government. As the Trump administration pushed boundaries, states from both political parties stepped in to slow down what many saw as a power grab. This wasn't just about politics; it was about upholding the balance of power that the founders had in mind. The Trump administration, with Republican control in Congress, often bypassed lawmakers. Instead, they relied heavily on executive orders. In just one year, Trump signed 221 orders, more than in his entire first term. Many of these orders stepped on states' rights, especially in areas like elections and crime enforcement. States fought back. For example, 22 states joined Washington, D. C. , to block the federal government from taking control of the National Guard. Similarly, 23 states teamed up with Illinois to oppose the federalization of their National Guard troops. Even more states challenged the use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on other countries.An organization called States United found that at least 33 of Trump's orders faced legal challenges. Some of these orders were even blocked or put on hold by courts. This slowdown gave states more time to protect their residents' rights. Public opinion also played a role. A poll showed that many Americans, including some Republicans, didn't support Trump's actions. This public support gave states more confidence to push back against federal overreach. The Supreme Court, with a conservative majority, has been expanding the president's power. But the real battle might not be in the courts. It could be in the court of public opinion. States need to keep the pressure on to make sure the federal government doesn't interfere with the upcoming elections.