Legal actions to protect Minneapolis
Lawsuits we have filed
Minneapolis has joined cities and counties across the nation in suing the Trump administration. We are protecting residents and preserving local control over operations and programs.
We are defending
| Emergency and disaster preparedness funds | Housing and transit grants | Minneapolis separation ordinance |
Lawsuits filed against us
We are protecting
| Welcoming City values |
City of Chicago vs. Trump Administration
About
The City of Minneapolis and eight other local governments sued the Trump administration. The lawsuit claims the administration is trying to block or end lifesaving federal emergency and disaster aid.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manage these funds. The aid supports cities and states in recovery efforts after public emergencies and natural disasters.
When the lawsuit was filed
The lawsuit was filed on Oct. 20, 2025. This is the third lawsuit Minneapolis has filed against the Trump administration.
Impact to Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, the grants total nearly $3.6 million. They help fund staff positions in the City’s Emergency Management Department. This department leads our responses to disasters.
The grants also fund equipment for the Minneapolis Police and Fire Departments.
Federal demands tied to funding
The Trump administration is pressuring local governments to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. They say we must follow all executive orders tied to grant funding to receive federal aid.
City’s action
Our lawsuit says these demands violate the Constitution. They also put lives at risk by threatening access to critical support.
Read more on the lawsuit from the Public Rights Project
Read the news release on the unlawful attack on lifesaving federal emergency funds
King County vs. Trump Administration
About
Minneapolis joined other cities and counties across the country in a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges unlawful efforts to limit or take away federal housing and transit funding.
It aims to protect federal support for:
- Essential local infrastructure
- Affordable housing
- Public transportation programs
These are vital resources that serve residents every day.
When the lawsuit was filed
The lawsuit was filed on May 2, 2025. A second amended complaint was added July 10-11.
Impact to Minneapolis
Like many cities, Minneapolis relies on federal transportation grants to help build and maintain critical infrastructure, including:
- Roads
- Bridges
- Transit systems
These grants also help expand housing options and support families and individuals most at risk of losing their homes.
Federal demands tied to funding
Agencies under the Trump administration are trying to add unlawful conditions to federal grants. These conditions are not authorized by Congress. They are meant to pressure Minneapolis and other local governments into adopting the President’s policy agenda.
City’s action
To protect local authority and ensure promised funds would not be withheld, Minneapolis joined other cities and counties in suing the administration. A federal judge has blocked the administration's attempts to impose these illegal conditions.
San Francisco vs. Trump Administration
About
Minneapolis joined 15 other cities and counties in a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges three executive orders that threaten to cut federal funding from cities with “sanctuary” policies.
The orders also direct the U.S. Department of Justice to take legal action against these cities.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has tried to punish local governments for their policies. In 2017, it tried to take away federal funds from cities with “sanctuary” policies. Federal courts ruled that effort was illegal and unconstitutional.
When the lawsuit was filed
The lawsuit was filed on Feb. 7, 2025.
Impact to Minneapolis
As in other lawsuits, the Trump administration is trying to punish Minneapolis and other cities for having policies that differ from the President’s agenda. The threatened funding includes grants used for public safety, criminal investigations, and other community services.
If these orders go into effect, Minneapolis could lose important federal support that helps keep residents safe and supports emergency response. Earlier attempts by the first Trump administration to take similar actions were ruled unconstitutional by federal courts.
City's action
The lawsuit argues that the executive orders violate constitutional limits. They also interfere with local governments' authority to decide how to use their own resources. A federal judge has blocked the administration’s order. This allows the funding to continue while the case continues.
