The landscape of American politics is once again shifting as Democratic governors prepare to respond to President-elect Donald Trump’s expected changes in the White House. While these governors have publicly maintained a diplomatic front, they have secretly immersed themselves in serious preparations, strategizing on how to balance the political realities they face. Anticipating a more aggressive and potentially intrusive federal administration, they are not merely waiting to react but actively engaged in envisioning proactive measures.
In anticipation of extreme policies from the Trump administration, the governors have extensively studied “Project 2025,” a blueprint outlining Trump’s expected governmental actions. They have been particularly focused on understanding and leveraging their own executive powers and state laws. This proactive approach contrasts sharply with the tactics employed during Trump’s prior term when debates often ensued over principles, which became a distraction. Instead, Democratic governors like Laura Kelly from Kansas are recognizing that a direct confrontation with Trump’s policies may not yield the desired results. “Really, we have no idea what’s coming down the pike,” noted Kelly, signaling the uncertainty surrounding the incoming administration.
Some governors, such as Illinois’ JB Pritzker, have been more aggressive in their preparations. Frustrated by a lack of solidarity among his peers, Pritzker initiated a coalition focused on resisting Trump’s policies. Notably, he aimed to develop strategies to shield women traveling for abortions from legal repercussions back home, underscoring how serious the situation has become. As states continue to grapple with the fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the urgency to protect reproductive rights has taken center stage in these discussions.
The governors have also been deliberate in their approach, often holding closed-door meetings with tight-knit teams to plan their maneuvers without the Trump administration getting wind of their strategies. The lessons learned from the previous Trump term remain fresh in their minds. The experience of being on the receiving end of neglect from the Trump administration—such as the federal withholding of resources during emergencies—has led governors to tread carefully in their interactions with a president who tends to favor those he feels are loyal or supportive.
Governors are taking a varied approach to their relationship with Trump. Many have recognized the need to court favor while simultaneously preparing for conflict. For instance, Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer attempted to emphasize her commitment to advocating for her state by seeking common ground with Trump, despite the difficult history between them. Her comments reflect a broader strategy among her peers: to position themselves as cooperative rather than confrontational, thereby hopefully gaining access to federal resources that their states may need.
Delaware’s new governor, Matt Meyer, expressed reservations about making speculation-driven preparations for a Trump term, illustrating the challenges posed by uncertainty. He summarized the sentiments of many governors who find themselves balancing on a tightrope: they need to develop responses to potential actions—be it overreach or cuts to state funding—without being caught off guard by the rapid developments of the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, some governors are taking decisive actions to protect their states’ interests. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom quickly convened state legislators to develop new legislation aimed at safeguarding reproductive rights and addressing climate change. This rapid response signifies the urgency among Democratic state leaders to safeguard what they perceive as core values under threat from federal machinations.
As the Democratic Governors Association convenes and strategizes for the next several years, underlying tensions regarding 2028 presidential hopes and ambitions are palpable among attendees. There is an awareness that effective governance now will also shape the political landscape for the future, with many eyeing opportunities to rise in a party in need of new leadership.
Overall, while Democratic governors are trying to navigate this complex political terrain, it is evident they are focused on preparing for every eventuality. Their efforts underscore the resilience of state leadership in the face of federal challenges, and the intricate dance of collaboration and resistance that will likely characterize their relationship with the Trump administration. As discussions continue, one thing is clear: the governors are determined to protect their states’ rights against any aggressive policies that may emerge in the years to come.
