A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Trump administration from withholding billions in transportation funding from 20 states that refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The judge ruled the administration lacked the legal authority to tie transportation funds to immigration enforcement, deeming the policy arbitrary and lacking specificity. The states had argued that the administration’s actions were an overreach of power. The injunction halts enforcement of the new rules while the lawsuit proceeds. This decision follows a similar ruling blocking the withholding of funds from sanctuary cities.
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A federal judge ruled President Trump’s federalization of the California National Guard illegal, ordering the immediate return of control to Governor Newsom. This action, unprecedented in U.S. history, involved approximately 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines deployed to quell anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. The judge found Trump’s actions exceeded his statutory authority and violated the Tenth Amendment, citing the absence of conditions justifying federal intervention. While a temporary stay allows the administration to appeal, a hearing is scheduled for June 20th to consider a more permanent injunction.
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President Trump announced plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the 2025 hurricane season, shifting disaster relief responsibilities to states. This decision, supported by Homeland Security Secretary Noem, aims to reduce federal aid and increase state autonomy in disaster response. The administration believes governors should handle such situations, though concerns exist regarding state preparedness for catastrophic events. A FEMA review council is currently assessing the agency’s future, potentially leading to significant reductions in its size and operational scope.
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The Trump administration’s approach to federalism deviates from traditional models, prioritizing actions that potentially incite violence. This is exemplified by contrasting responses to events: the barring of LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations in Washington D.C. and the handling of immigration protests in Los Angeles, where ICE actions led to injury and detention of a protest observer, despite largely peaceful demonstrations. The administration’s inconsistent application of federal power suggests a disregard for consistent principles of federalism in favor of actions intended to maximize the potential for unrest. These differing responses highlight the administration’s inconsistent application of federal authority.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom is suing the Trump administration for illegally deploying the National Guard without gubernatorial consent, a move impacting all states. This action, deemed unconstitutional and immoral, violates a statute mandating that mobilization orders be issued through state governors. Newsom further criticizes the deployment of Marines and additional National Guard troops as a divisive tactic inciting fear and chaos. He asserts that the situation is not about immigration but about upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
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The Trump administration is preparing to significantly cut federal funding to California, potentially beginning as soon as Friday. This action, targeting the University of California and California State University systems, is reportedly due to disagreements over state policies and alleged antisemitism on campuses. The move is unprecedented and has drawn swift condemnation from California Democrats, who have vowed legal challenges. While some Republican representatives express concerns, they emphasize the need for justification of funding requests.
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Over 130 former state and federal judges filed an amicus brief supporting Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan’s motion to dismiss charges of impeding government agents. The brief argues that prosecuting Dugan for actions within her judicial discretion constitutes an assault on judicial independence and threatens the ability of judges to perform their duties without fear of retaliation. This prosecution, they contend, sets a dangerous precedent by prioritizing federal interests over state court proceedings and jeopardizes the balance of federalism. The judges’ brief emphasizes the importance of judicial immunity and the potential chilling effect on judicial decision-making.
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Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan, arrested for allegedly obstructing ICE agents, is arguing for dismissal based on judicial immunity. Her motion cites the Supreme Court’s *Trump v. United States* ruling granting broad presidential immunity for official acts, arguing that a similar standard should apply to judges. The motion contends that prosecuting Dugan violates federalism and that her actions, even if construed as aiding the undocumented immigrant, fell within her authority to maintain courtroom control. The case has sparked intense political debate, with supporters portraying Dugan as a resistance hero and critics hoping for further actions against the judiciary.
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Wisconsin school districts are refusing to comply with a Trump administration directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs until receiving clarification on its legality and intent. The directive, threatening the loss of Title I funding, demands schools sign a letter acknowledging adherence to the administration’s interpretation of civil rights laws, a request state Superintendent Jill Underly deems potentially unlawful and intimidating. The Department of Education’s unclear definition of civil rights violations in relation to DEI initiatives leaves Wisconsin facing potential loss of approximately $216 million in Title I funding. Underly emphasizes the importance of allowing schools to make local decisions based on their students’ needs.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent announcement to defy President Trump’s tariffs is a bold move that has ignited a firestorm of debate and speculation. The Governor’s declaration, “California remains open,” directly challenges the federal government’s trade policies, raising questions about the legality and practicality of such a defiance. Newsom’s strategy, while seemingly audacious, taps into a growing sentiment among some that the current administration’s trade policies are harming the American economy, particularly impacting states like California with significant international trade ties.
The core of Newsom’s strategy is to position California, a dominant player in various sectors like manufacturing, technology, and agriculture, as a crucial player strong enough to weather the storm of federal tariffs.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood