Trump's Expansion of Federal Power Threatens States' Authority

As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, the relationship between states and the federal government is approaching a breaking point.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:05pm

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Led by President Donald Trump, the executive branch has moved to dominate states, resulting in more than a year of escalating confrontations between the two levels of government. Trump has surged immigration enforcement agents into resistant cities, seized control of the National Guard in some states, and is blocking states from receiving billions in federal funds. The states have repeatedly gone to court, asking the federal judiciary to rein in the executive branch, and have started testing the bounds of their own authority.

Why it matters

The current strains are testing the bedrock principles of federalism, the uniquely American system of power sharing between Washington and the states. Trump's second term could mark a defining moment for American federalism, as the country either continues to adhere to the principles of federalism or takes a significant step toward a more powerful central government that sidelines the states.

The details

Trump has worked quickly to expand federal power, surging thousands of immigration enforcement agents into resistant cities, seizing control of the National Guard in some states, and blocking states from receiving billions in federal funds. The states have responded by going to court and testing the bounds of their own authority, such as restricting the actions of federal immigration agents.

  • In the first year of his second term, Trump surged thousands of immigration enforcement agents into a resistant Minneapolis and other cities.
  • Over the past year, there have been escalating confrontations between the states and the federal government.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has worked to expand federal power and dominate states.

Tim Walz

The Democratic Governor of Minnesota who has publicly abandoned the nonpartisan National Governors Association in part because he said the organization was not doing enough to protect states' rights.

Laura Kelly

The Democratic Governor of Kansas who has also publicly abandoned the National Governors Association, in part because she said the organization was not doing enough to protect states' rights.

Greg Abbott

The Republican Governor of Texas who has supported Trump's expansion of federal powers, going so far as to authorize the deployment of the Texas National Guard to aid immigration enforcement in Illinois and Oregon.

Kevin Stitt

The Republican Governor of Oklahoma who has sharply criticized the deployment of the National Guard, saying 'Oklahomans would lose their mind' if a Democratic-controlled state sent troops to his state during Biden's presidency.

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What they’re saying

“'We are in a period of challenged federalism. The fact that we're here talking about federalism tells you something about the current state of American politics.'”

— Lisa Parshall, Federalism researcher and political science professor at Daemen University

“'That's been the beauty of it. If that's to go away, if the federal government were — and they are, at this point — undermining states' authority and responsibility, I think you end up slowing down the entire country.'”

— Laura Kelly, Governor of Kansas

“'What I think we're seeing now is a whole different system of crushing state and local government. And bowing down to a new system where we are almost living in a one-person government.'”

— Emanuel Cleaver, U.S. Representative from Missouri

“'People should be shocked that Oregon has filed 55 lawsuits. Their mind should be blown. But their mind should be equally blown at how often we're winning these cases.'”

— Dan Rayfield, Oregon Democratic Attorney General

“'When we have this powerful of a federal government, it should be frightening for everyone.'”

— Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.