Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts When Trump Hits New Jersey, This Lawyer Hits Back
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Aug 16, 2025 Matthew Platkin, New Jersey Attorney General and a front-line defender against the Trump administration, discusses the courage of blue states in resisting federal overreach. He highlights legal strategies challenging controversial policies, emphasizing state autonomy and civil rights. The conversation dives into reproductive rights and the critical role of attorneys general in defending democracy amidst political pressures. Platkin shares insights on navigating ethical dilemmas in the legal profession while advocating for a resilient judiciary and constitutional integrity.
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Blue States As A Legal Bulwark
- Blue-state attorneys general have become a primary bulwark against federal overreach under the Trump administration.
- New Jersey AG Matthew Platkin says his office has led or joined 30+ lawsuits to protect residents and state rights.
Prepare By Anticipating Promised Actions
- Prepare by studying campaign promises, past actions, and legal texts to anticipate unlawful executive moves.
- Build a targeted legal strategy focused on harms to state residents and standing to sue.
Stopping Machine‑Gun Conversions
- Platkin recounts leading a coalition to stop ATF shipments that would effectively legalize machine-gun conversion devices.
- The federal government ultimately backed down and agreed not to send them into New Jersey.
