A new op-ed by our Rule of Law Program Director, Sam Trepel, raises serious constitutional concerns about immigration agents’ use of excessive force and the U.S. Department of Justice’s responsibility to investigate and charge those who violate the law. www.justsecurity.org/128353/doj-s...

The fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis did not occur in isolation. It follows months of documented uses of potentially unlawful force by federal immigration agents. As Samantha Trepel (@statesunited.org) explains, DOJ has clear authority to investigate and its silence leaves communities at risk.

I am furious and heartbroken over the killing of Renee Good. This is both a tragedy and a deeply predictable outcome, following months of aggressive escalation from federal agents.

In the wake of January 6, 2021 -- 5 years ago today -- we put out a challenge to all lawyers that we repeat today. We need lawyers to stand up for our democracy. This is even more true today than it was 5 years ago. Why? ⬇️ 1/2 ldad.org/letters-brie...

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. In this 2022 podcast ep, @rickhasen.bsky.social (@law.ucla.edu), examines the role of disinformation in January 6, its impact on U.S. elections, and what can be done to counter it. Listen: scholars.org/podcast/elec...

Five years ago, we saw what happens when a President refuses to accept the results of a free and fair election. We now have a federal administration full of people willing to do the same. It's on all of us to make sure the past is neither erased nor repeated. www.ms.now/opinion/janu...

In a closed-door deposition with the House Judiciary Committee, former Special Counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers that his team found “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that Trump engaged in a “criminal scheme” to overturn the results of the 2020 election. www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...

“While our rule of law remains under threat, our democratic institutions are holding. My office is not backing down — and we’re ready for whatever fights lie ahead,” said California @agrobbonta.oag.ca.gov. www.politico.com/news/2025/12...

Jack Smith told lawmakers Trump was 'the most culpable' in election interference case, deposition transcript shows www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...

PRESS RELEASE: Fontes, Hobbs, Mayes give official approval of 2025 EPM

The 2026 midterm elections are coming up quickly. Thank you to @votebeat.org for insight into the legal fights and policy battles that could shape elections in 2026 ⤵️ www.votebeat.org/2026/01/05/w...

For every $1 that Oregon DOJ spent in 2025 defending Oregon’s values and the rule of law, we protected about $1,450 in federal dollars for things like education, transportation, disaster preparedness, and more – about $4.5 billion total. #orpol

A federal judge dismissed the case against former FBI Director James Comey, finding the charges were brought without proper authority. The U.S. Justice Department has since appealed. Explore our amicus brief in this case for more: https://statesunited.org/resources/us-v-comey/

Majorities of Americans across political parties agree that Trump should respect court rulings, even when the courts declare that his administration’s actions are illegal or unconstitutional. No one is above the law. https://statesunited.org/resources/facts-about-respecting-court-rulings/

Governors, state AGs, and secretaries of state are on the front lines of protecting the American people and our democracy—but they can’t do it alone. Hear from our CEO @joannalydgate.bsky.social on why standing with state leaders matters now more than ever.

A federal judge dismissed the case against former FBI Director James Comey, finding the charges were brought without proper authority. The U.S. Justice Department has since appealed. Explore our amicus brief in this case for more: https://statesunited.org/resources/us-v-comey/

The American people have been very clear: They do NOT support the President withholding disaster relief funding, allocated to the states by Congress, out of perceived political differences. https://apnews.com/article/colorado-disaster-declarations-polis-trump-c6d873d38d9892a47a63d9c151e80883

The misuse of federal law enforcement to go after sitting officials and other people who disagree with President Trump is a threat to our democracy. The U.S. Justice Department is supposed to apply the rule of law equally. https://statesunited.org/resources/facts-about-retaliation/

Protecting our democracy isn’t a partisan issue; it’s an American issue. Leaders across parties stepped up to protect the freedoms Americans value the most. Here are a few moments that made a difference in 2025.

2025 was a challenging year for our democracy, but state officials showed up when it mattered most. Find out how with our end-of-year recap. https://statesunited.org/democracy-lessons-from-2025/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=democracylessons

North Carolina unfortunately is no stranger to natural disasters, and building better infrastructure saves lives. I thank Attorney General Jackson for taking action to preserve our $200 million to protect our water and sewer systems, bridges, and more from floods and wildfires.

This is the right decision by the Supreme Court to block the President’s repeated attempts to deploy the National Guard in Illinois. www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...

Due process isn’t optional in America—it's a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. When a federal court issues a ruling, it is not a suggestion; it’s the law. https://www.npr.org/2025/12/22/nx-s1-5652187/alien-enemies-act-deportations-case

We are pleased the court agreed with us: deploying National Guard troops in this manner is unwarranted and damaging to our military. Maintaining the clear line between domestic policing and military service is essential for our institutional integrity.

Today is a big win for Illinois and American democracy. I am glad the Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump did not have the authority to deploy the federalized guard in Illinois.

BREAKING >> The Supreme Court has denied an emergency request by the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago over the objection of state officials, upholding a lower court's ruling that found the move unlawful. www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...

NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...

I was honored to join the Wisconsin State Capitol Police to recognize those officers who have gone above and beyond this year and to personally thank all of our officers for the incredible, real-life impact of their heroic and steadfast service.

Our elections are secure because election officials know exactly what they're doing. If you hear common myths or misinformation this holiday season, you can help build confidence by sharing facts straight from the source. https://thefulcrum.us/elections/election-myths-debunk-rebuilding-trust

According to Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, counties that used a redesigned envelope for their provisional ballots in 2025 “saw rejection rates drop by 11.3% when compared to last year.” penncapital-star.com/briefs/penns...

State officials carried a heavy load defending democracy this year. As new challenges emerged, we provided legal, research, and communications support to state leaders in real time. Check out some of our reports from 2025:🧵⬇️ statesunited.org/reports/

The story of Illinois has always been the story of America. We are, after all, the most American of American states. America's 250 celebration here will tell that and the stories of the people who made us who we are through every corner of our state.

NEW >> State leaders have proven to be one of the most effective stops against the Trump administration, in a year that has seen unprecedented unilateral action from the White House. Get the scoop on why states matter: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

Exhausted? Overwhelmed? Hoping for a better 2026? Same, same, and SAME. But one shining bright spot of 2025? Seeing how pro-democracy leaders at the state and local levels stepped up to meet the moment and serve. Take a peek at our brand new 2025 lookback: statesunited.org/democracy-le...

Today, for the first time in six months, Angelenos are living without the National Guard unlawfully deployed in their city. Our team fought tirelessly against President Trump’s unlawful attempts to militarize American cities, and while the fight is not over, this is a step in the right direction.

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...

2025 made clear what was at stake. As attacks on our democracy intensified, we expanded our work to meet the moment — helping statewide officials uphold the rule of law where it was under pressure and defend the values that Americans hold close.

In an interview, former U.S. Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers that his team of investigators “developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that President Donald Trump had criminally conspired to overturn the 2020 election. www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...

Ex-Trump lawyer John Dowd defends Jack Smith: "Smith was once my adversary in a high-profile investigation of a Republican client. In that investigation, Smith proved himself to be fair, impartial and fearlessly committed to the facts … [R]ecent attacks on Smith are motivated by partisan politics."

Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith said that if asked whether he would “prosecute a former president based on the same facts today, I would do so regardless of whether the president was a Republican or Democrat.” https://to.pbs.org/4qkxKI9

I will continue to defend Colorado and the rule of law, including in the face of the Trump Administration’s latest threats to close NCAR and impose lawless funding cuts.

More than 30 military leaders are speaking out against deploying National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., warning that it risks the military’s nonpartisan reputation, harms troop morale, and weakens readiness in times of need. Read our brief: statesunited.org/resources/dc...

Mail-in voting is safe, secure, and trusted by millions of Americans every year. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/republicans-midterms-mail-in-voting-00693867

This year, our research team asked people across the country what they thought about the things they were seeing in the news each day. Their findings tell the story of a bipartisan majority who believe in our democracy. Here’s what they found. 🧵⬇️ statesunited.org/polling/

NEW: With the 2026 midterms 11 months away, the DOJ is frantically pressuring states to hand over the private data of millions of Americans. One expert speculates this unprecedented push is a "power grab and a fishing expedition...meant to undermine state authority over elections."

"Presidents come & go, politics shift, but the integrity of our armed forces, our sons & daughters, our friends & neighbors, must endure," says @vetvoicefoundation.bsky.social CEO @janessagoldbeck.bsky.social. Learn more about our work with VVF & military leaders: statesunited.org/resources/dc...

When it comes to protecting our democracy, state-level accountability matters. On Monday, a Wisconsin judge ruled that there is enough evidence to move a felony forgery case to trial against a Trump attorney & aide involved in the 2020 fake elector scheme. apnews.com/article/trum...

We won our lawsuit against FEMA after they unlawfully withheld billions in funding meant to protect our communities from natural disasters. We'll keep fighting to ensure New York has the support we need to be safe when disaster strikes.

"Secretaries of State have a responsibility under the law [...] to protect the data and privacy of our voters.” — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/12/your-private-data-is-building-trumps-voter-purge-machine/

Since June, the Trump administration has deployed the National Guard into multiple U.S. cities without the governors’ consent. Stay up to date on key litigation and legal arguments against these deployments. ⬇️ https://statesunited.org/resources/national-guard-litigation/