Madison, Wis. — Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has taken a firm stand against the Trump administration, filing his 16th lawsuit, which centers on cuts to federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure. During a recent interview, Kaul emphasized that the program, established by Congress, is essential for supporting electric vehicle infrastructure across the nation, including more than $60 million earmarked for Wisconsin.
“Regardless of President Trump’s personal views, this program is a law that must be enforced,” Kaul stated. He criticized the administration’s refusal to allocate these funds, asserting that the president is responsible for upholding the laws passed by Congress.
Kaul’s legal action comes on the heels of another lawsuit, in which he and 19 other attorneys general have accused Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of undermining the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He noted that significant federal funding cuts threaten critical initiatives aimed at reducing lead exposure in Milwaukee schools, lowering maternal mortality rates, and curbing youth tobacco use. “This is now the fourth lawsuit specifically addressing actions taken by HHS, and these developments are troubling,” Kaul remarked.
Moreover, Wisconsin is involved in various legal challenges against the Trump administration, including issues related to the dismantling of AmeriCorps, proposals to withhold funding from state and local educational agencies, and executive orders impacting national election laws. Since March, the number of lawsuits in which Wisconsin is participating has more than doubled.
On Friday, the state aligned with others in challenging the administration’s efforts to expedite energy-related projects. Kaul highlighted the importance of ensuring that federal laws are respected and upheld.
In the interview, Kaul explained his criteria for joining multi-state lawsuits. He considers whether a policy adversely affects Wisconsinites and whether there is a solid legal basis for pursuing the case. He pointed out that many lawsuits stem from the Trump administration’s disregard for congressional acts, which have been treated as optional rather than mandatory.
A significant legal success came this week when a preliminary injunction was issued against cuts to critical services provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Minority Business Development Agency. Kaul described the injunction as a “notable victory,” preventing the Trump administration from dismantling essential programs that support libraries and museums.
He underscored the importance of these institutions to communities, arguing that slashing their funding for short-term financial relief for wealthy individuals negatively impacts the broader society.
Addressing concerns about potential retaliatory actions from Congress against judges who rule against the administration, Kaul expressed alarm. He noted that judges from both political parties have issued rulings against Trump’s policies, which raises essential questions about the integrity of the judicial system and the separation of powers.
Kaul remarked, “It is crucial that Congress defend the rule of law and resist any attempts to undermine the judiciary. Our system was designed to protect liberty through checks and balances.”
Wisconsin’s legal battles continue to illustrate the tensions between state and federal powers, particularly as the state seeks to uphold laws that have been challenged by the current administration.
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