Michigan AG Dana Nessel Files 26 Lawsuits Against Trump Administration

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has initiated or joined 26 lawsuits against the Trump administration over the past six months, challenging federal policies that she argues adversely affect Michigan's residents and resources.

One significant legal action involves a coalition of 20 Democratic attorneys general, including Nessel, suing the administration over conditions placed on federal funds. The lawsuits contend that the administration's threats to withhold billions in transportation and disaster-relief funding unless states comply with specific immigration enforcement measures and eliminate diversity programs are unconstitutional overreaches of executive authority.

In March 2025, Nessel filed a lawsuit against President Trump and multiple federal agencies to halt mass firings of federal probationary employees. The suit argues that these terminations would impose irreparable burdens on states, both in supporting unemployed workers and in reviewing unemployment assistance claims. Nessel emphasized that such mass firings are illegal and could cripple essential federal initiatives in Michigan.

Another notable case involves Nessel's commitment to pursuing charges against individuals who falsely claimed to be Michigan's presidential electors in the 2020 election. Despite referring the case to federal prosecutors without public action, Nessel decided that state authorities should now intervene to ensure accountability.

In April 2025, Nessel joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the administration's termination of AmeriCorps grants and the dismantling of the agency through an 85% workforce reduction. She argued that such actions illegally undermine a congressionally established agency and harm communities across Michigan that benefit from AmeriCorps services.

Additionally, Nessel has been part of legal efforts to protect federal funding for libraries in Michigan. She joined a lawsuit against the administration's attempts to terminate critical funding for states, emphasizing the vital role of local public and school libraries in education and community development.

These lawsuits reflect Nessel's proactive stance in defending Michigan's interests against federal policies she views as harmful or unconstitutional. Her office continues to monitor and challenge actions by the Trump administration that may negatively impact the state and its residents.