10 State Attorneys General Relationship with Federal Government: Oct. 27, 2025 10 State Attorneys General Relationship with Federal Government: Oct. 27, 2025
10.1 Introduction and Speaker 10.1 Introduction and Speaker
At the outset of class, we are going to be joined by Nathan Blake, a CO Deputy AG in the consumer division. Previously, he spent 12 years in the IA AGO, beginning as an AAG in the consumer division, and ending up as Chief Deputy. Come prepared with questions.
State AGs have a complex relationship with the federal government, including the President, the U.S. Department of Justice, local U.S. Attorneys, and other federal agencies. Away from the headlines, in most cases, attorneys general cooperate with federal agencies to carry out federal policy, but in some cases and in some states, attorneys general attempt to either challenge or prompt federal action.
The differing strains of this relationship do not necessarily divide on the usual partisan axis. Over the years, the relationship has been characterized by cooperation, disinterest, preemption, or outright hostility, some times even within the same Administration.
10.2 History of Conflict – Inaction v. Preemption 10.2 History of Conflict – Inaction v. Preemption
10.2.1. Obama Preemption Executive Order (May 20, 2009)
10.2.2. After Scaling Back Student Loan Regulations, Administration Tries to Stop State Efforts, N.Y. Times (Sept. 6, 2018)
10.2.3. 39 State AGs Announce $1.85 Billion Settlement with Navient (Jan. 22, 2022)
10.3 State and Federal Cooperation and Non-Cooperation 10.3 State and Federal Cooperation and Non-Cooperation
10.3.1. OH AG Joins FTC, Other States in Sweep to Squash Illegal Robocalls, OH AG website (July 18, 2023)
10.3.2. States Motion to Intervene in HPE-Juniper Antitrust Settlement, N.D. Cal. (Oct. 14, 2025)
10.4 States sue President 10.4 States sue President
10.4.1. Texas vs. the Feds - A Look at the Lawsuits, Texas Tribune (Jan. 11, 2017)