New Jersey Filed 75 Lawsuits Against Federal Government
State officials have challenged various federal policies through extensive litigation since 2025.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Law
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New Jersey has filed approximately 75 lawsuits against the Trump administration since 2025 to protect state interests. These legal challenges span two gubernatorial administrations and address issues ranging from infrastructure funding to state-level policies.
Why it matters
State officials argue these cases are necessary to shield local interests from federal overreach, while the federal government contends it must prevent state interference with its operations. The ongoing legal battles highlight the persistent friction between Trenton and Washington D.C.
New Jersey initiated roughly 46 legal challenges under Governor Phil Murphy and 29 during the tenure of Governor Mikie Sherrill. Many cases remain unresolved as they move through the federal court system.
The players
Phil Murphy
He served as the Governor of New Jersey until his tenure ended in January 2025.
Mikie Sherrill
She assumed the office of Governor of New Jersey in January 2025.
U.S. Department of Justice
The federal agency tasked with enforcing laws and representing the administration in court.
The details
New Jersey frequently joins multistate coalitions to challenge federal policies, maintaining a collection of these actions via the Attorney General's Office. Recent litigation includes high-profile disputes over Gateway rail tunnel construction, EV infrastructure funding, and immigration-related benefits.
Timeline
January 2025 marked the transition between the Murphy and Sherrill administrations.
January 2026 saw a federal judge restore National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding.
February 2026 brought emergency relief for the Gateway rail tunnel construction.
September 11, 2026, concluded the AmeriCorps litigation with a settlement.
Mid-September 2026 marked the total count of filed lawsuits reaching approximately 75.
Political Context
The state's litigation regarding the Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act follows a pattern of state-level resistance to federal mandates. This approach reflects a broader trend of using judicial intervention to block federal policies that clash with local governance priorities.
These ongoing legal battles can influence the timing and availability of state-managed federal funding for critical local infrastructure like rail and energy projects. Taxpayers may see shifts in policy implementation as these cases dictate the extent of federal authority over state programs.
The takeaway
The high volume of litigation underscores the use of the judiciary as a primary tool for state governance in a polarized political climate. Residents should monitor the progress of these cases, as they often determine the fate of significant regional infrastructure projects and local benefits.
Further reading
For more background on state-level legal strategies, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shore News Network.
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