JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The legislative season has kicked off across U.S. statehouses as governors swiftly outline their priorities for the coming year. The impact of President-elect Donald Trump is already being felt at the state level, both symbolically and through concrete policy initiatives.
State leaders are mobilizing to address key issues that contributed to Trump’s electoral success, including economic growth, affordable living conditions, and immigration reform. Some governors are even drawing inspiration from Trump’s governmental efficiency initiatives, although they lack high-profile leaders like Elon Musk. A contentious question on whether to display U.S. flags in honor of the new president or at half-staff for a deceased predecessor has also surfaced in discussions.
These themes have emerged prominently in the past few weeks as state legislatures have convened, new governors have been sworn in, and incumbent governors delivered their “state of the state” addresses.
Taking swift action akin to Trump’s planned Day 1 initiatives, several governors quickly signed a variety of proclamations upon taking office.
Republican Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe wasted no time, issuing anti-crime directives soon after assuming his role. His orders included mandates for state trooper training that supports federal immigration authorities and requirements for law enforcement to verify the immigration status of arrestees.
In Florida, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis called for a special legislative session beginning January 27, shortly after Trump’s inauguration, aimed at aligning state practices with the new federal immigration enforcement goals. Similarly, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a special session on the same day, focusing on public safety initiatives related to illegal immigration.
West Virginia’s newly inaugurated Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey also laid down several orders on his first day, including the cessation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within state entities—a move that mirrors Trump’s own policy goals. Additionally, one of Morrisey’s orders allows families to seek religious exemptions from mandatory school vaccinations, echoing sentiments shared by Trump’s Health and Human Services nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been critical of certain vaccines.
Democratic governors, on the other hand, are recalibrating their strategies in the backdrop of Trump’s presidency, aiming to strike a balance between cooperation and opposition to his initiatives.
Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration while voicing concerns over proposed tariffs, cautioning against using them to harm trade with key partners.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul outlined an “affordability” plan reflecting Trump’s emphasis on inflation and tax reductions. This plan includes income tax cuts, expansion of the child tax credit, and direct financial returns to struggling New Yorkers alongside bolstered policing efforts in the subway system.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey took a firmer stance on immigration, suggesting that at least one family member residing in emergency shelters ought to have legal status, in response to an influx of migrants overwhelming state shelter systems.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a plan to stockpile the abortion pill mifepristone, joining other states in preparation for potential policy shifts that could arise under the Trump administration.
The political atmosphere in Minnesota presents its own challenges as Republican and Democratic parties vie for control in a closely divided legislature. The GOP holds a slim temporary majority, and tension has flared with Democrats boycotting sessions to hinder quorum while Republicans push forward with appointing leadership. Legal arguments regarding the legitimacy of these actions are anticipated to be heard by the state Supreme Court.
With Trump’s initiatives influencing state governance, some leaders have sought to imitate his establishment of a “Department of Government Efficiency,” albeit without the high-profile entrepreneurs at the helm. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has launched a similar effort led by a local business attorney, while Missouri’s new House Speaker also introduced a committee focusing on government efficiency.
In addition, Republican Assembly Speaker in Wisconsin has formed a committee labeled “GOAT,” which stands for Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency. Other states like Arizona and New Hampshire are following suit in creating similar efficiency panels.
As flags across the nation pay tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, whose passing has prompted a directive from outgoing President Joe Biden to keep flags at half-staff for 30 days, some governors are pushing back. Amid Trump’s outcry regarding flag protocols for his inauguration, Republican governors in numerous states have mandated that flags fly high for the day. Even governors with Democratic leanings, such as Gavin Newsom of California, have aligned with this sentiment.
In addition, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has directed that flags at the U.S. Capitol fly at full staff. Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry has taken an extra step, ordering that a “Make America Great Again” flag be displayed over the governor’s mansion on inauguration day, further emphasizing the political symbolism at play during this transition period.
