Local Leaders Prepare for Federal Government Involvement Amid Controversial Policies

Sat Feb 07 2026 01:01:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In light of increasing tensions with the federal government, mayors and local officials are adapting their disaster preparedness protocols to address federal interference, particularly in immigration matters. Denver's Mayor Mike Johnston reflects on this shift, noting a change from natural disaster readiness to plans for potential federal overreach.

As federal government involvement in local affairs grows, mayors across the political spectrum are voicing concerns. Denver's Mayor Mike Johnston highlights the shift in focus from traditional disaster preparedness to addressing threats posed by federal policies. Recent federal actions, particularly in Minneapolis, have sparked a reevaluation of local-federal relations, indicating a notable change in the dynamic between local entities and Washington.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Denver Mayor Mike Johnston regularly games out responses to threats like destructive tornadoes or hazardous waste leaks. He’s added a new potential menace: the federal government.

When President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to some U.S. cities last year over the objection of local leaders, Johnston said his tabletop exercises expanded to consider what could happen if federal officials targeted Denver, which the Trump administration has sued for limiting cooperation on deportations. The city now prepares for the impact of federal activity on everything from access to schools and hospitals to interference with elections.

“We used to prepare for natural disasters,” Johnston, a Democrat, explained in an interview. “Now we prepare for our own federal government.”

A range of state and local officials, from various political affiliations, have reported an increasingly hostile relationship with Washington. While there has always been tension between city, state, and federal levels, this new dynamic is unprecedented, especially after federal actions reportedly led to the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last month.

While partnerships remain in place, there is a growing opposition to federal overreach among officials. “This is unprecedented,” said Jerry Dyer, the Republican mayor of Fresno, California. “I’ve never seen federal law enforcement come to the cities and police cities without cooperation from local police.”

Changing Republican Perspectives

The tensions have upended longstanding Republican arguments advocating for local governance under the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Now, the Trump administration emphasizes a muscular federal approach, challenging these views. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear stated, “There’s no question that the Trump administration has repeatedly violated the Constitution in how it deals with states.”

Beshear expressed hope for a collective recognition among Trump’s supporters of the concerning legal precedents being set.

While Trump expresses frustration at resistance from Democratic officials, he has demonstrated a willingness to collaborate with Republican governors like Louisiana’s Jeff Landry, who asked for National Guard support in New Orleans.

The Trump administration’s approach to federal involvement varies significantly, often favoring states in areas such as abortion while adopting a strong federal stance on immigration and elections. Trump’s recent comments about ‘nationalizing’ elections have raised alarms regarding federal overreach, reinforcing concerns expressed by many mayors.

Impact on Local Governance

Local officials express growing fatigue and frustration with the current state of affairs. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the persistent federal presence in his city as contradictory to the push to end operations there, calling it an “occupation.”

Local governance is crucially tied to federal funding, which has become unstable under the current administration. This fluctuation has pushed some mayors to seek alternative funding through philanthropy.

Despite the adverse impacts of federal policies, many local leaders continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with federal officials. As they navigate these challenges, the future of local governance in America hangs in the balance, reflecting a rapidly changing political landscape.