Great Lakes Wire

Since the Trump Administration assumed office in January 2025, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has been actively challenging federal directives and executive orders that she considers illegal. Nessel, collaborating with other Democratic attorneys general, has filed 17 lawsuits aimed at protecting Michigan residents' rights and essential federal funding. Of these legal actions, eight have led to preliminary injunctions or temporary restraining orders.

Attorney General Nessel stated, "As Attorney General, I have a responsibility to stand up and fight for the people of Michigan when their rights and livelihoods are under attack." She added that without these challenges, Donald Trump's actions could have resulted in significant financial losses for the state.

The lawsuits have recovered over $750 million for Michigan, safeguarding crucial areas such as healthcare, education, disaster recovery, and research programs. Key achievements include securing more than $100 million in FEMA funds for disaster management and nearly $27 million for services like Medicaid and food assistance. The legal efforts also ensured continued participation in Head Start for 42,000 children under five years old.

Further victories include preserving funding for invasive species management programs vital to the Great Lakes fishing industry and maintaining numerous National Institutes of Health-supported trials. Research funding was protected from potential cuts at several universities: $181 million at the University of Michigan, $27 million at Michigan State University, and $18 million at Wayne State University.

Additionally, $379 million in grant funding was secured to support mental health treatment and disease control programs. The Institute of Museum and Library Services continues to provide approximately $4.75 million annually to Michigan libraries thanks to these efforts.

Educational initiatives benefited as well; the lawsuits preserved $25 million for capital projects within local school districts. Federal education programs supporting special needs students remain intact through these legal interventions.

For updates on ongoing litigation related to these issues, interested parties can visit the Department of Attorney General’s Federal Actions Tracker.