Trump withdraws slew of Biden-era lawsuits tied to abortion, racial discrimination, financial regs and more

The Broad Dismissal of Biden-Era Lawsuits Under the Trump Administration

One of the most significant actions taken by President Donald Trump since assuming office has been the dismissal of numerous lawsuits initiated during the Biden administration. These lawsuits spanned a wide range of issues, including state abortion bans, allegations of racism within police and fire departments, environmental disputes, and certain business-related cases. However, antitrust lawsuits from the Biden era have largely remained untouched, signaling a distinct approach in this area.

Challenges to State Abortion Bans: A Shift in Federal Intervention

Among the first actions under the Trump administration was the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s restrictive abortion ban. The Biden administration had argued that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) required doctors to provide abortions when necessary to prevent serious health consequences, not just to save the mother’s life. This dismissal aligns with Trump’s stance on abortion, with supporters like Katie Daniel of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America celebrating the end of what they termed "abortion extremism" and "lawfare" by the federal government.

Civil Rights Cases: Discrimination Allegations Dismissed

The Trump administration has also dropped several civil rights cases, including one alleging anti-immigrant hiring practices at Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Furthermore, lawsuits accusing police and fire departments of racial discrimination based on physical fitness tests and credit checks were dismissed. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that public safety roles should be based on skill and dedication, not diversity quotas. A case in Cobb County, Georgia, was dismissed due to lack of evidence, with the judge rejecting racial hiring quotas as a "racial spoils system."

Environmental and Whistleblower Cases: A Change in Enforcement

In addition to civil rights cases, the Trump administration has dropped an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lawsuit against Louisiana regulators and Denka, a synthetic rubber manufacturer, which alleged inadequate protection of a minority community from cancer risks. Also dismissed was the prosecution of Dr. Eithan Haim, a whistleblower who exposed transgender medical procedures on minors at Texas Children’s Hospital. These dismissals reflect a shift in federal enforcement priorities under Trump.

Antitrust Enforcement: Continuity with the Biden Era

While the Trump administration has dismissed lawsuits in various areas, antitrust enforcement has seen continuity. Despite expectations of a significant shift, especially given Biden’s aggressive stance against Big Tech, Trump has largely left these cases untouched. Experts like Kison Patel note that while the crypto and fintech sectors may celebrate reduced scrutiny, the approach to antitrust remains cautious, with ongoing cases indicating no major policy reversal.

Reactions and Implications: A New Policy landscape

Supporters of Trump’s actions, such as Katie Daniel and Pam Bondi, have praised the dismissal of these lawsuits as a return to the will of the people and an end to judicial activism. Experts like Hans von Spakovsky highlight the lack of evidentiary support for some Biden-era cases, suggesting a more evidence-based approach under Trump. However, the retained antitrust enforcement indicates a nuanced policy direction. Overall, Trump’s actions mark a significant shift in federal legal strategy, reflecting his administration’s priorities and signaling a different approach to legal and regulatory matters moving forward.