Log In


Reset Password

Influence of Trump on display in state capitols

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A new year of lawmaking and politicking is underway in U.S. statehouses. Governors are acting quickly to outline their agendas. And in many cases, the influence of President-elect Donald Trump already is rippling through states in both symbolic and substantive ways.

Some state officials are trying to tackle concerns that propelled Trump to office such as the economy, affordable living and immigration. Some are mimicking Trump’s government efficiency panel, though they lack a headlining billionaire like Elon Musk to lead it. And many have waded into the debate about whether U.S. flags should fly high on Inauguration Day to honor the new president or remain low to honor a deceased predecessor.

Those themes were prominent over the past two weeks as state legislatures convened, new governors took the oath of office and incumbent governors laid out their agendas in formal “state of the state” addresses.

Just as Trump plans an array of actions on Day 1, some governors were quick to sign various proclamations and declarations.

Within minutes of taking office, Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe issued several anti-crime orders, including Trump-themed moves requiring training for state troopers to aid federal immigration authorities and requiring law enforcement agencies to document the immigration status of people they arrest.

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a special legislative session to begin Jan. 27, the week after Trump was sworn in, to ensure the state can “help the Trump administration enforce our nation’s immigration laws.”