When the Office of Management and Budget stopped following a law that requires them to publicly share how the White House is using federal taxpayer dollars, we sued and forced them to restore the data.
Stopping the Consolidation of Power
our work
We work to prevent unchecked power, defend the rule of law, and protect the right to dissent.
The United States must maintain three co-equal branches of government, each with their own responsibilities.
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 deployed (and strengthened) to prevent the executive branch from abusing its 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 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.
We are working with legislators in a number of states on legislation that would allow people to sue any official — federal, state, or local — who violates their constitutional rights.
Tracking retaliatory use of arrests, prosecutions, and investigations by the Trump administration
How to tell if the Trump DOJ is enforcing the law or retaliating against political enemies.
May 21, 2026
Safeguarding a nonpartisan civil service
Protect Democracy is protecting a nonpartisan, merit-based civil service through litigation, communications, policy, and other advocacy.
May 20, 2026
Stopping the illegal exposure of America’s personal data
Protect Democracy is challenging the illegal access to sensitive personal information of millions of Americans by representatives of “DOGE”.
February 10, 2025
What federal workers can do to protect themselves
A list of resources for civil servants navigating attacks on the federal workforce, including actions to take ASAP, knowing your rights, and where to find legal or other support.
February 6, 2025
What does it mean for an agency to be independent?
The difference between executive departments and independent agencies, explained
February 5, 2025
Checking presidential impoundment of federal funds
We explain what an impoundment of federal funds is, when that action is unlawful, and why it matters that the Trump administration is attempting to freeze — impound — trillions in federal funding.
January 30, 2025
Maintaining the integrity of the Department of Justice
Protect Democracy engages in litigation and advocacy to preserve the rule of law and prevent an authoritarian-minded executive from using government law enforcement powers as a political weapon.
January 13, 2025
Trump prosecutions and the rule of law
It is crucial that the American public understand the charges against Trump and why it all matters.
November 7, 2023
Reforming the National Emergencies Act
Protect Democracy has led in the effort to reform the national emergency system to build stronger checks on the use of national emergencies.
November 3, 2022
Using OMB’s Apportionment Website: Resources for Congress
Resources for members of Congress and staff on how to use the Office of Management and Budget's public apportionment website.
November 3, 2022
Fighting Disinformation in Court
Law for Truth, a project of Protect Democracy, works to stop those who intentionally or recklessly spread false information that undermines our democracy.
October 31, 2022