During Donald Trump’s presidency, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was in a constant state of high alert, reminiscent of wartime conditions. The organization quickly took action, filing its initial lawsuit against the Trump administration just a week after he assumed office, challenging his first attempt to ban travelers from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. This marked the beginning of relentless legal battles that never slowed down. Over the course of Trump’s term, the ACLU launched more than 250 lawsuits on a wide array of issues including immigration, abortion, contraception, fair housing, and the rights of protesters.
The Trump era sparked a significant resurgence for the ACLU, much like it did for environmental groups, media organizations, and other left-leaning institutions. The demand for unwavering opposition to Trump’s policies from shocked voters and donors led to a substantial increase in the ACLU’s resources. The staff size doubled, the budget nearly tripled, and membership grew fourfold. The ACLU achieved notable victories, such as overturning Trump’s policy of separating migrant families and blocking his attempt to add a citizenship question to the census, though it also faced defeats, like the Supreme Court’s eventual approval of Trump’s revised Muslim ban.
In a recent interview, Anthony D. Romero, the ACLU’s executive director, expressed concerns about the potential challenges to civil liberties should Trump win a second term. He highlighted the organization’s proactive coordination with other advocacy groups to counter Trump’s agenda through legal means. However, Romero emphasized the importance of public protest in shaping the future of American democracy, suggesting it might play a more crucial role than legal battles in the face of a Trump reelection.
Romero pointed out several areas of concern, including immigration, abortion, and various culture-war issues, as likely focal points of Trump’s policies. He anticipates a more aggressive approach to immigration, potential federal abortion restrictions, and further attacks on civil liberties. The ACLU director also fears a second Trump term could see a more ideologically extreme administration, as moderating influences within the Republican Party might be absent or sidelined.
Romero believes the challenges will be greater, with Trump possibly leveraging federal power more effectively against political adversaries and using federal forces to intervene in blue cities. He stressed the importance of litigation as a tool for delaying and drawing public attention to harmful policies, but also highlighted the critical role of public activism in defending civil liberties.
As the ACLU prepares for the possibility of a second Trump term, Romero underscores the need for readiness to mobilize public energy and activism. He remains concerned about the potential for Trump’s policies to resonate with the American public under certain circumstances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a vigilant and active opposition to protect democracy and civil liberties in the United States.