The Trump administration’s efforts to roll back environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities have sparked a surge of legal opposition. States, cities, and legal authorities are challenging the administration’s actions in court, accusing it of undermining worker protections, climate action, and public health.
The U.S. is pushing to remove references to "climate" and "sustainability" from global financial reform texts aimed at supporting developing countries. Critics argue this is part of a broader “America First” agenda that blocks global efforts to tackle climate change and promote social equity.
In a lawsuit led by New York, 17 Democratic state attorneys general are challenging the suspension of permits for new wind energy projects, which they argue could damage the rapidly growing clean energy sector.
New York City and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) are suing to block Trump’s efforts to halt the city’s congestion pricing program, which has reduced traffic by up to 13%. The program has been crucial in reducing congestion and improving air quality in Manhattan.
The administration’s decision to lay off 10,000 workers and close agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been condemned by 19 Democratic-led states. They argue the cuts will dismantle vital public health programs, jeopardising critical research and services.
Legal experts are warning of increasing threats to judicial independence, as Trump supporters target judges and their families after rulings against his administration. At least 60 judges have issued rulings blocking or slowing Trump’s policies.
Amid these political battles, a rise in cocoa prices has led to a surge of new entrants into Nigeria’s cocoa sector. This comes as the country faces a severe economic crisis, but cocoa producers have been shielded from inflation and currency devaluation, offering a hopeful example of ESG principles in action.
As the Trump administration continues to roll back ESG policies, legal challenges and political opposition suggest a long and contentious battle over the future of climate action, clean energy, and worker protections in the U.S.
