New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin is actively challenging several actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration, asserting that they violate constitutional principles and harm New Jersey residents. Collaborating with attorneys general from other states, Platkin has initiated multiple lawsuits to counter these federal directives.

Legal Challenges Against the Trump Administration

Attorney General Platkin has filed several lawsuits against the Trump administration, focusing on actions he deems unconstitutional and detrimental to New Jersey residents. These legal challenges aim to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens.

Defending Birthright Citizenship

One of the administration’s executive orders seeks to end birthright citizenship, denying citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their mothers are in the country illegally or on temporary visas, unless the father is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Platkin, along with attorneys general from 18 other states, the District of Columbia, and San Francisco, filed a lawsuit arguing that this order violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born in the country. Platkin described the order as a “flagrant violation of our Constitution.”

Opposing Federal Funding Freezes

In response to a policy from the Office of Management and Budget that freezes federal funding for various programs, including health care, child care services, public education, and disaster relief, Platkin joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general to challenge the move. The lawsuit contends that the funding freeze violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by halting spending without adhering to existing laws and regulations. A temporary restraining order was granted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, preventing the implementation of the funding freeze.

Challenging Federal Employee Buyout Program

Platkin has also opposed the administration’s “deferred resignation” program, which offers federal employees the option to resign by a specific date in exchange for continued pay and benefits until September 30, 2025. The program implies that employees who do not resign may face termination. Platkin, along with 21 other attorneys general, filed an amicus brief supporting unions challenging this directive, arguing that it coerces public servants and could harm the delivery of essential services to residents.

Protecting Medical and Public Health Research Funding

In another significant action, Platkin sued the Trump administration for cutting funds that support medical and public health research at universities and research institutions. The lawsuit challenges the administration’s attempt to unilaterally reduce “indirect cost” reimbursements, which cover essential expenses like laboratory maintenance, infrastructure, and utilities. Platkin emphasized that such cuts threaten New Jersey’s leadership in medical and health innovations.

Advocating for ‘Dreamers’ Health Care Access

Anticipating potential policy changes, Platkin led a coalition of 14 Democratic attorneys general in seeking to defend a federal policy that provides subsidized health coverage to “Dreamers”—young adults brought to the U.S. illegally as children. This preemptive legal action aims to protect the health care access of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, anticipating that the incoming administration may not support this policy.

Commitment to Upholding the Rule of Law

Throughout these legal challenges, Attorney General Platkin has emphasized the importance of the rule of law and the constitutional constraints on presidential power. He stated, “It’s very simple, because he’s consistently, in his first three weeks in office, violated the law and hurt our residents.” Platkin’s actions reflect a broader effort among Democratic attorneys general to use legal avenues to counter policies they view as overreaching or unconstitutional.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin’s proactive legal stance underscores his dedication to protecting the rights of New Jersey residents and maintaining constitutional governance. By challenging federal actions he deems unlawful, Platkin aims to ensure that the administration’s policies adhere to the nation’s legal and constitutional frameworks.