16 states sue Trump over emergency declaration

WASHINGTON – California and 15 other states sued President Donald Trump on Monday over his decision to declare a national emergency to free up funding for his controversial border wall, calling the move “unlawful and unconstitutional.”

The states allege in their lawsuit that Trump’s emergency declaration exceeds the power of the president and unconstitutionally redirects federal money that Congress had set aside for other purposes.

Trump made the declaration on Friday after lawmakers sent him a government funding bill that included $1.375 billion for the wall, far short of the $5.7 billion he initially requested.

White House officials said they believe they can unlock an additional $6.6 billion through the emergency declaration and other budget maneuvers.

The White House believes the money would allow the administration to build at least 234 miles of the border wall, which was a central promise of Trump’s 2016 campaign.

“President Trump treats the rule of law with utter contempt,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a Democrat.

“He knows there is no border crisis, he knows his emergency declaration is unwarranted, and he admits that he will likely lose this case in court.”

White House officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The states joining California are: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Virginia.