In the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, a wave of lawsuits has emerged as a major form of political resistance, with dozens of legal challenges filed against his administration’s executive orders and policy decisions. Legal experts say this surge in litigation reflects growing concern among states, civil-rights groups, labor unions, and advocacy organizations over what they view as sweeping executive actions that may overstep constitutional limits. Lawyer Writes+1
A Surge of Legal Challenges
According to independent litigation trackers, more than 500 lawsuits had been filed against the Trump administration by mid-November 2025 — a rate far higher than in recent presidencies. These cases challenge a wide range of policies, from immigration and civil-rights directives to federal employment decisions and regulatory overhauls. Lawyer Writes
Many of these lawsuits are initiated by state attorneys general and multistate coalitions, who argue that Trump’s executive actions infringe on constitutional rights, exceed presidential authority, or violate federal law. For example, the states of Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon filed a federal lawsuit after Trump signed an executive order altering birthright citizenship rules — a move critics say conflicts with the 14th Amendment. Wikipedia
Civil Rights and Organizational Lawsuits
Civil-rights organizations have also taken the administration to court. In National Urban League v. Trump, several civil-rights and housing organizations challenged executive orders they say undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, asserting violations of free speech and due process. Wikipedia
Similarly, nonprofit and labor groups have brought suits aimed at protecting government employees and public services. For instance, in AFGE v. Trump, federal employee unions are challenging orders related to mass layoffs and agency restructuring, claiming due process violations. Wikipedia
Business and Advocacy Firms Enter the Fray
The legal pushback is not limited to states and nonprofits. Major law firms have filed lawsuits alleging that executive orders unfairly target them or hinder their ability to represent clients, raising First Amendment and due process concerns. opb
Broader Implications
Legal observers note that while some suits have led to temporary injunctions or rulings blocking enforcement, many others are still pending in lower and appellate courts. Litigation trackers like Lawfare show legal challenges are mounting across immigration policy, labor issues, federal regulations, and civil liberties. Default
This dense web of litigation illustrates how the judicial branch is playing a central role in shaping and, at times, restraining executive power in Trump’s second term. As the lawsuits move through court systems, their outcomes could have far-reaching effects on federal policy, executive authority, and future governance.
