Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has a message for the president: Abuse your authority and “we will stand up to you.”
Ferguson delivered the message Thursday at a conference room in the Capitol, flanked by various statewide officials. He told reporters that the first few weeks of President Donald Trump’s second term have been “chaotic,” to “put it mildly.”
State leaders will continue fighting to safeguard Washington’s values, Ferguson said, and will work together to make the state more affordable and safe.
Still, he said, there are some serious challenges afoot due to the Trump administration’s recent actions — including attempts to freeze federal funding. Other rights at risk include reproductive freedom and health care for transgender people.
Ferguson vowed in his inauguration speech to work with the president when possible and to push back when necessary. He echoed that refrain Thursday.
“My message to President Trump is fairly simple: I’ll work with you in areas of common interest, but you’re making it tough,” he said Feb. 13. “But I’m still committed to that. I really am. But if you overstep your authority, we will stand up to you.”
The governor said that the president’s “chaos” won’t stop Washington officials from working for the people.
“We will continue to do our jobs and serve the everyday needs of Washingtonians while we are protecting Washingtonians from any cruel and unconstitutional actions,” he said. “Is what’s happening in D.C. taking some of my time as governor? Yes, of course it is. Does it take most of my time? No, it does not, and I want Washingtonians to know that.”
Attorney General Nick Brown told reporters Thursday that his office has participated in four Trump-related lawsuits, leading two. Not long after the press conference, another challenge was announced — this one taking aim at executive power granted to X owner Elon Musk, head of the new, so-called Department of Government Efficiency.
Brown said that Trump has violated the U.S. Constitution time and again. He also had a message for the president: “Follow the damn law. It’s not that hard.”
