Mayes Leads ‘The Resistance’ Against Trump

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes(D) has quickly become one of the nation’s most litigious state attorneys general, filing or joining at least 25 lawsuits against the Trump administration since January. Critics say the barrage of legal action is less about protecting Arizona and more about building her political brand—and taxpayers are footing the bill.

The lawsuits, which span nearly every aspect of federal policy, include challenges to Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship (Washington v. Trump, Jan. 21, 2025), attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (New York v. McMahon, Mar. 13, 2025), and sweeping tariffs (Oregon v. Trump, Apr. 23, 2025).

Mayes also signed onto lawsuits opposing Trump’s decision to halt federal wind energy projects (New York v. Trump, May 5, 2025), to freeze billions in electric vehicle infrastructure funding (Washington v. U.S. Dept. of Transportation, May 7, 2025), and to grant Homeland Security access to Americans’ health records (California v. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, July 1, 2025).

In several cases, Mayes played a leading role. She co-led New Mexico v. Musk (Feb. 13, 2025), alleging that President Trump illegally delegated executive power to Elon Musk by creating the “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” without congressional approval.

While Mayes’ office insists the lawsuits are about “defending Arizonans’ rights and critical funding streams,” Republicans argue that the attorney general is abusing her office to attack Trump at every turn.

The costs to Arizona taxpayers are significant, often requiring outside legal counsel. The constant litigation also creates uncertainty for schools, hospitals, and businesses that rely on federal partnerships. Even if Mayes loses, the suits often result in delayed funding and strained relations with federal agencies.

In addition to targeting core Trump policies, Mayes has joined lawsuits over public health funding (Massachusetts v. NIH, Feb. 10, 2025), AmeriCorps staffing cuts (Maryland v. AmeriCorps, Apr. 29, 2025), and FEMA’s decision to shut down disaster resilience grants (Washington v. FEMA, July 16, 2025).

“We will not back down,” Mayes declared in a recent press release. But critics argue that the lawsuits are less about protecting Arizona and more about building her national profile.

Case Tracker: Kris Mayes’ 2025 Lawsuits Against the Trump Administration

1. Washington v. Trump – Jan. 21, 2025 – Immigration: Challenges Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship.
2. New York v. Trump – Jan. 28, 2025 – Healthcare & Public Services: Fights federal funding freezes that would slash essential programs.
3. New York v. Trump – Feb. 7, 2025 – Data Privacy: Blocks Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” from accessing sensitive personal data.
4. Massachusetts v. NIH – Feb. 10, 2025 – Healthcare Research: Targets 15% cuts to NIH grants that fund life-saving research.
5. New Mexico v. Musk – Feb. 13, 2025 – Executive Power: Accuses Trump of illegally handing power to Elon Musk.
6. Maryland v. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture – Mar. 7, 2025 – Federal Workforce: Challenges mass federal layoffs executed without proper process.
7. New York v. McMahon – Mar. 13, 2025 – Education: Seeks to block dismantling of the Department of Education.
8. Colorado v. U.S. DHHS – Apr. 1, 2025 – Healthcare: Opposes termination of public health grants critical to state programs.
9. California v. Trump – Apr. 3, 2025 – Elections: Attacks Trump’s “Elections Executive Order” for voter suppression.
10. Massachusetts v. RFK Jr., HHS – Apr. 4, 2025 – Healthcare: Suits over delayed NIH research funding.
11. Rhode Island v. Trump – Apr. 4, 2025 – Libraries & Museums: Blocks elimination of federal cultural grants.
12. New York v. U.S. Dept. of Education – Apr. 10, 2025 – Education Relief: Restores pandemic-era school funding.
13. Oregon v. Trump – Apr. 23, 2025 – Tariffs: Challenges Trump’s sweeping new tariffs imposed without Congress.
14. Maryland v. AmeriCorps – Apr. 29, 2025 – Public Service: Opposes AmeriCorps staff and funding cuts.
15. New York v. Kennedy (HHS) – May 5, 2025 – Healthcare: Blocks dismantling of Health & Human Services.
16. New York v. Trump (Wind Energy) – May 5, 2025 – Environment: Fights halt on wind energy projects.
17. Washington v. U.S. Dept. of Transportation – May 7, 2025 – Infrastructure: Restores electric vehicle infrastructure funding.
18. Washington v. Trump (Energy Emergency) – May 9, 2025 – Energy Policy: Challenges Trump’s “energy emergency” declaration.
19. New Jersey v. OMB – June 24, 2025 – Federal Grants: Blocks clawback of billions in grant money from states.
20. California v. HHS (Privacy & Immigration) – July 1, 2025 – Privacy: Stops DHS from accessing Medicaid records.
21. California v. Dept. of Education – July 14, 2025 – Education: Challenges freeze on $6.8 billion in education funds.
22. Washington v. FEMA – July 16, 2025 – Disaster Relief: Blocks closure of FEMA’s disaster resilience programs.
23. California v. RFK Jr., HHS – July 17, 2025 – Healthcare: Fights new ACA barriers that could cost millions their coverage.
24. New York v. DOJ – July 21, 2025 – Public Benefits: Challenges immigration-status requirements for federal assistance programs.
25. California et al. v. USDA – July 28, 2025 – Privacy & Public Benefits: Challenges USDA’s unprecedented demand that states turn over five years of SNAP recipients’ data (including Social Security numbers and home addresses) under threat of withholding federal administrative funding. Mayes and 21 AGs argue the demand violates federal privacy laws, exceeds statutory authority, and is unconstitutional.