Secured a nationwide injunction blocking border wall construction without congressional approval and helped enact power-of-the-purse legislation to ensure future presidents cannot circumvent Congress.
Defending the Rule of Law
Our Work
In the 21st century, democracies tend to die by the erosion of democratic norms and guardrails rather than at the barrel of a gun.

Would-be authoritarians often abuse their power, using it to eliminate checks and balances, quash dissent, target already marginalized communities, and deepen political divisions.
The Constitution and the laws we have built around it provide tools to constrain authoritarian behavior — but many of the norms and guardrails that help define our democracy are not written into law and are not self-enforcing. Together these restraints must be exercised (and strengthened) to prevent government officials from abusing their power and to ensure the law applies equally to everyone, from the most powerful to the least.
- Uphold the principle that nobody is above the law
- Ensure accountability for those who have attacked or undermined our democracy — regardless of their political standing
- Ensure meaningful checks and balances on executive power
- Stop abuses that target marginalized groups and their ability to participate in democracy.
- Protect the ability of the public and the press to voice dissenting views
- Protect independent, non-politicized law enforcement and civil servant workforces
Helped prevent a sitting president from politicizing the Department of Justice to interfere in an election, in part through a multi-year campaign organizing thousands of Department of Justice alumni.
Impact in the News

Congressional Testimony: How to Strengthen Congressional Oversight Capacity Congressional Testimony:

Trump’s Schedule F plan, explained
In October 2020, the Trump Administration issued an executive order that would have stripped protections from civil servants perceived as disloyal.
June 11, 2024

The Faithful Fight Toolkit: Welcoming the Stranger
Religious leaders play a critical role in protecting immigrants and refugees in the United States. This toolkit for faith leaders help them learn how to serve their neighbors in need.
May 1, 2025

The Faithful Fight Toolkit: Providing and advocating for mutual aid
Religious leaders can provide for mutual aid and build networks of support to counter authoritarianism.
May 1, 2025

Stopping the Unconstitutional Dismantling of the Federal Government
Protect Democracy is suing President Trump for his unconstitutional reduction in force or RIF
April 28, 2025

Restoring Transparency to OMB Apportionment Decisions
Protect Democracy is suing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Director Russell Vought for violating a law that requires public disclosure of “apportionments.”
April 14, 2025
Federal Trade Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro M. Bedoya File Motion for Summary Judgment in Suit Against Trump Administration
FTC Commissioners File Motion for Summary Judgment in Suit Against Trump Administration
April 11, 2025

Challenging politically-driven attacks on science and medical research
Protect Democracy is challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of $400 million in federal funding.
April 4, 2025

Former DOJ Officials Condemn Trump’s Abuses of Power and Assault on Legal Independence
Nonpartisan civil service signatories warn that attacks on law firms and lawyers undermine the rule of law and call on the legal community to stand up for constitutional principles.
March 31, 2025
Federal Trade Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro M. Bedoya Sue Trump Administration for Attempted Illegal Firings
The Trump administration this month attempted to fire Federal Trade Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro M. Bedoya, without cause, before their Senate-confirmed terms were up.
March 27, 2025

Fighting the Consolidation of Power and Illegal FTC Purges
The lawsuit argues that the president’s actions are illegal and violate long-standing legal protections for independent agencies like the FTC and the Federal Reserve.
March 27, 2025

Stopping the Trump administration’s use of funding cuts to coerce speech restrictions at universities
Protect Democracy is challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of $400 million in federal funding.
March 25, 2025