Trump Faces Legal Challenges to Most Controversial Executive Orders

Several of the executive orders signed by Donald Trump as soon as he took office were immediately challenged in court and there are doubts among legal analysts that they may even be enforced.

The most controversial measure is the attempt to end citizenship by birth on American soil, a right that was enshrined in the country's Constitution through the 14th Amendment. Nineteen Democratic state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the order from being enforced.

"The President does not have the authority to rewrite or nullify a duly enacted constitutional amendment or statute," the lawsuit says. "Nor does he have the power under another law to limit who receives U.S. citizenship at birth."

Four other states have filed a second lawsuit in federal court to block the order from being implemented. Judge John Coughenour will be the first to consider the request.

There are also lawsuits filed by civil rights and immigrant organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union.

The executive order, which takes effect on February 19, seeks to exclude from citizenship babies whose parents are in the country illegally or, if they are legal, have visas instead of permanent residency.

Another measure that has been the target of legal proceedings was the creation of the DOGE government efficiency department, led by Elon Musk. There are four ongoing lawsuits alleging violations of labor, ethics and transparency laws. Trump appointed attorney William McGinley to defend the project.

The order that makes it easier to fire federal employees is also facing challenges in court, and there are other cases in which lawsuits are being considered.

But the Trump administration has braced itself for legal battles to avoid the problems it faced in its first term. According to legal analysts who have spoken to the media, there is language in the orders that is intended to preemptively repel challenges in the courts. The ensuing litigation will also depend on the exact language of the policies that are written from the executive orders, particularly in the form of directives.