The new fight for states' rights under Trump

This episode of Marketplace All-in-One explores the evolving tension between state and federal power in the United States, particularly under President Trump's administration. Host Kimberly Adams and Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy examine how the executive branch is increasingly asserting control over state policymaking through aggressive enforcement actions, punitive federalism, and the strategic use of federal funding as leverage. The series 'The 50 vs. The One' highlights how this shift is testing the foundational principle of federalism—where states retain significant autonomy—especially as blue states file over 100 lawsuits challenging federal overreach. While some business interests favor national standardization for ease of operation, many states continue to value their ability to set unique policies on issues like environmental regulation and immigration enforcement. The episode also reveals a surprising bipartisan concern about federal overreach, with even some Republicans expressing unease about the president's actions, despite their historical alignment with states' rights. As the legal and political battles unfold, the future of state autonomy—and its implications for democracy and the economy—remains uncertain.