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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A fresh year of legislative activity and political maneuvering has commenced in statehouses across the United States. Governors are swiftly outlining their priorities, and the influence of the newly elected President Donald Trump is being felt in various ways—both symbolic and practical—throughout these states.
Some state officials are addressing issues that significantly contributed to Trump’s electoral victory, such as economic growth, affordable housing, and immigration reform. In a few instances, state-level representatives are adopting initiatives akin to Trump’s government efficiency panel, albeit without high-profile figures like Elon Musk at the helm. Additionally, a debate has emerged over whether U.S. flags should be flown high on Inauguration Day to commemorate the new president or remain at half-staff to honor a deceased predecessor.
These discussions have been prominent as state legislatures opened their sessions, newly inaugurated governors took office, and existing governors delivered formal addresses outlining their agendas.
State-level Policies Mirroring Trump’s Initiatives
As Trump plans numerous actions for his first day in office, several governors wasted no time in enacting various measures. Almost immediately upon taking office, Republican Governor Mike Kehoe of Missouri signed multiple anti-crime executive orders. These included mandates for state troopers to undergo training that would assist federal immigration authorities and requirements for law enforcement to document the immigration status of individuals they arrest.
Meanwhile, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a special legislative session set for January 27—immediately following Trump’s inauguration—to ensure Florida is prepared to facilitate the enforcement of national immigration laws. Tennessee’s Republican Governor Bill Lee has also called for a special session on the same date, focusing on public safety issues related to unlawful immigration.
In West Virginia, newly inaugurated Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey issued a series of executive orders, one being the termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across state agencies. Trump has similarly expressed intentions to eliminate such offices.
Another executive order by Morrisey grants families the opportunity to seek religious exemptions from mandated school vaccinations. This move aligns with sentiments expressed by Trump’s nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of questioning certain vaccines.
Democrats Readjust Strategies in Response to Trump
As Trump embarks on his term, some Democratic governors are modifying their strategies, aiming to cultivate a collaborative relationship with his administration, as they acknowledge the successes of Trump’s party in recent elections. Conversely, others are preparing for potential confrontations with his policies.
Michigan’s Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is navigating a split legislature, expressed her desire to collaborate with Trump while voicing her concerns about his proposed tariffs, emphasizing the importance of not using them as punitive measures against key trading partners.
New York’s Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul echoed Trump’s focus on inflation and tax reductions during her State of the State address, announcing an “affordability” initiative aimed at lowering income taxes for the majority and providing up to $500 to residents as an “inflation refund.” She also promised increased police presence in New York City’s subway systems to combat crime.
In Massachusetts, Democratic Governor Maura Healey took a firmer stance on immigration, proposing that all family members residing in emergency shelters must typically have legal residency in the country, in light of the state’s overwhelmed shelter system due to rising migrant numbers.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy declared plans to join states like California and Washington in reserving supplies of the abortion pill mifepristone. Although Trump has not yet suggested restricting abortion medications, some Democrats remain wary of potential changes.
A Political Stand-Off in Minnesota
The U.S. House remains tightly contested, with Republicans maintaining a narrow 219-215 majority over Democrats, leaving one seat vacant. However, Minnesota’s House of Representatives is even more closely divided, with Republicans temporarily holding a slight 67-66 advantage, pending a special election in a predominantly Democratic district, which is likely to lead to an evenly split chamber.
The legislative session has gotten off to a tumultuous start, as Democrats have boycotted floor sessions to thwart quorum while Republicans have moved forward by electing their preferred speaker and appointing committee chairs. The state’s Supreme Court is anticipated to hear arguments regarding the legality of these Republican actions.
For progress to occur, both parties will need to cooperate to meet the necessary 68-vote threshold for passing legislation.
Trump’s Efforts at Government Efficiency Inspire States
Trump gained significant attention by appointing high-profile entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency.” Although this body is not an official government agency, it aims to streamline federal operations. Some governors and state legislative leaders are following suit with similar initiatives, albeit without the recognition of celebrity co-chairs.
Iowa’s Governor Kim Reynolds announced the establishment of a regional “State DOGE” this week, helmed by a lawyer from Sukup Manufacturing, a grain storage company. In Missouri, newly elected House Speaker Jon Patterson appointed a Republican lawmaker to chair the renamed Committee on Government Efficiency, having removed the rightsizing aspect from the title.
In Wisconsin, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos introduced the GOAT—standing for Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency, shifting away from the previous title. Similar efficiency panels are also being instituted in states like Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, and New Hampshire.
Flags Raise Questions During Transition
Nationwide, flags have been lowered to half-mast in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, as per directives from outgoing President Joe Biden to keep flags at half-staff for 30 days. However, Trump expressed dissatisfaction, believing flags should be raised high for his inauguration day. He voiced his sentiments on social media, stating that no American should be pleased with the flag’s lowered status.
Some governors seem to agree with him, as at least two dozen Republican governors mandated that flags be flown at full staff on the day of Trump’s inauguration. Interestingly, even Democratic governors, including California’s Gavin Newsom, usually a vocal critic of Trump, have complied and allowed flags to fly high.
Additionally, flags will also be raised at full staff at the U.S. Capitol under an order from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. In Louisiana, Republican Governor Jeff Landry has gone a step further, directing that a “Make America Great Again” flag be flown over the governor’s mansion during Trump’s inauguration.
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